News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | October 10, 2026
Charles City man arrested on charges of possessing child pornography
A convicted sex offender has been arrested in Charles City County on possession of child pornography charges. Ronald Jay Fleet, 73, was arrested and charged with four counts of possession of child sexual abuse material and two counts of failure to register as a sex offender. In a press release from Charles City County Sheriff’s Office, on Oct. 8, the sheriff’s office worked in collaboration with the Virginia State Police executed a search warrant after a month-long investigation. A search warrant was executed, resulting in evidence being obtained that Fleet allegedly possessed the material. Fleet has a prior federal conviction…
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All Charles City, New Kent County schools fully accredited by VDOE
All five schools in New Kent County and both schools in Charles City County are fully accredited for the FY2026-27 school year. Virginia’s Department of Education (VDOE) released accreditation scores on its website this past week, marking the designations of all schools within the Commonwealth of Virginia. In New Kent, four schools received the distinguished designation from VDOE. George Watkins Elementary, New Kent Elementary, New Kent Middle, and New Kent High School were all recognized for their achievements. Quinton Elementary School was recognized for meeting expectations. In Charles City, Charles City County High School was recognized for meeting expectations. Charles…
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Charles City School Board appoints Jones as newest member
Charles City County Public Schools has appointed Chelsea Jones as its newest school board member. Jones was appointed as part of an Oct. 5 specially called meeting. Jones, a 2000 graduate of Charles City High School, has spent more than 20 years of professional service in customer service, leadership, and team management. Jones is filling the at-large role position on the school board left by the late Royce Paige, who passed away in early September. Her current term will end on Dec. 31, 2027.
New Kent School Board sounds off on 2027-28 CIP, calls on county leadership to step up funding
Even though the 2026-2027 school year just began, New Kent County Public Schools are already looking into improving campus property and infrastructure for the next fiscal cycle. New Kent Assistant Superintendent of Operations Jonathan Hochman presented the first draft of the school system’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for FY2027-28 year. Hochman said, “We want to protect our investments. We have lots of stuff; schools, systems, lots of buses and things like that. We spend a lot of time and money on those things, and we want to make sure we take care of them. “We also want to move to…
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Opett departs position as New Kent Fire Chief for new role with VDOT
Rick Opett, who has served as fire chief for New Kent Fire and Rescue, stepped down on Sept. 24 to accept a position with the Commonwealth of Virginia. Opett will serve as the new director of Virginia’s Department of Transportation (VDOT) Safety, Security, and Emergency Management. Opett began his tenure on Jan. 16, 2013, following in the footsteps of his father. Prior to his tenure in New Kent, he was a battalion chief for Loudon County. Opett’s tenure marked a transition of New Kent Fire and Rescue, especially with growth. With New Kent having one of the fastest rising populations…
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