News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | July 27, 2024
Local News
Jury convicts Newport News man for possessing cocaine in New Kent
A Newport News man whose erratic behavior led to his arrest has been convicted by a jury on possession of a Schedule I/II drug. Christopher Delyle Howard, 46, of 51 Poplar Avenue, was convicted of the crime during the July 18 trial. One charge of driving under the influence (second of subsequent offense) was dropped. On May 5, 2023, a call into New Kent Sheriff’s Office alerted authorities about an individual dancing in the middle of the road on Route 30 in New Kent. Deputy Schuyler Sibley responded to the call for service, finding the vehicle in question. Sibley exited…
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Individual found not guilty by reason of insanity in New Kent Circuit Court; undergoing further psychiatric evaluation
*Editor’s Note: This story may contain content that is unsuitable to some readers. A Providence Forge resident who attacked a woman at Pine Fork Park in 2023 has been found not guilty by reason of insanity. Haley Meila Groves, 26, of the 2700 block of Windsor Shades Lane, had charges of strangulation, abduction (two counts), robbery with injury, assault and battery of a law enforcement officer, malicious assault, attempted rape, felony destruction of property, misdemeanor false identification to a law enforcement officer, misdemeanor tampering with a vehicle, and misdemeanor assault and battery (two counts) acquitted by Judge B. Elliott Bondurant…
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Fifteen indicted as part of New Kent grand jury deliberations
Fifteen individuals received indictments from a New Kent grand jury following Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court: –Mack Lee Birchfield II, 24, of the 62000 block of Hingham Drive, New Kent, on one count of credit card larceny and two counts of misdemeanor petty larceny. Birchfield allegedly stole a purse and cash belonging to Mary Odom on Mar. 7. –Thomas Edward Burwell, 39, of the 900 block of N. 36th Street, Richmond, on a single charge of distribution of a Schedule I/II substance. Burwell allegedly distributed cocaine on Jan. 26. –Tashion Lanique Latrell Giles, 20, of the 5500…
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Matan Companies purchases 185 acres as part of plan to create New Kent Logistics Center
Matan Companies have purchased 185 acres of industrial-zoned land in New Kent County for planned development. JLL announced that it plans to create the New Kent Logistics Center located at the interchange of Interstate 64 and Emmaus Church Road (Route 106). Part of the plan is to lease a four-building, two million square foot industrial project. “With the uptick in activity at the Port of Virginia, additional industrial space is needed now more than ever,” stated JP Matan, Director of Leason for Matan Companies. “The New Kent Logistics Center, which is ideally located between Norfolk and Richmond, has the ability…
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New Kent School Board amends policy addressing controversial issues; tables cell phone policy
New Kent’s School Board adopted an amended policy to specify how to address controversial issues involving classroom material. District 4 representative Ron Vaught brought forward the proposal at an earlier meeting. The policy provides guidelines of teacher responsibilities when addressing issues to deliver the curriculum while not imposing personal views to students. The policy further explains the expectations of administrators, teachers, employees, and students to respect the dignity and rights of others to express differing opinions. The policy also contains information regarding the nondiscrimination policy. That policy states that all staff shall be mindful that all children are created equal…
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Woodford woman dies in Charles City car accident
A Woodford woman has died in Charels City as the result of an accident on July 7. According to the Virginia State Police report, around 4:50 p.m., officers responded to a single-vehicle crash on eastbound John Tyler Memorial Highway (Route 5) just west of Adkins Road (Route 618). A preliminary investigation states that a 2006 Honda Accord ran off the road, overcorrected and overturned. The driver, identified as Jessica Michell Childs, 42, succumbed to her injuries at the scene. She was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident. The crash remains under investigation.
Traffic light coming to busy section of Bottoms Bridge in New Kent; Exit 211 interchange being studied for makeover
New Kent County Board of Supervisors heard updates on one traffic project that is currently in the works along with a proposal for another at Monday night’s regular board meeting. Work has started at the intersection of Pocahontas Trail (Route 60) and Marketplace Drive in the Bottoms Bridge area of the county to bring a traffic light to that area. The project, which was requested by former District 2 supervisor Tommy Tiller, was requested as that intersection leads to several businesses and homes. The area is also a high-traffic area as it is near the intersection of Pocahontas Trail and…
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South Carolina man receives 10-month sentence for damaging property in New Kent, stealing items
A South Carolina man will spend ten months in jail for damaging property after trespassing on it. Shawn Lamarcus Chavious, 47, of the 2900 block of Oswald Drive, West Columbia, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of misdemeanor trespassing to commit damage (originally breaking and entering), and misdemeanor petty larceny. In a summary of evidence by New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick, on Feb. 14, Chavious went onto the property belonging to Paul Robinson. When entering the property without permission, he damaged the area as he confiscated a laser printer, toilet paper, and garbage bags. An investigation was…
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Providence Forge man indicted on malicious wounding charge in Charles City
A Charles City grand jury indicted a Providence Forge man following Tuesday morning proceedings in Charles City Circuit Court. Richard Bernard Johnson, 39, of the 6400 block of Adkins Road, was indicted on a single charge of malicious wounding. The offense allegedly occurred on Feb. 12.
Hampton man convicted of leading high-speed chase in New Kent receives six months in jail
A Hampton man who fled from law enforcement officers in New Kent will spend the next six months in jail after entering into a plea deal Monday morning in New Kent Circuit Court. Omare Elijah Foster, 20, of the 30 block of Ferncliff Drive, entered guilty pleas to one count each of felony eluding of police, misdemeanor reckless handling of a firearm, violation of felony pretrial services, misdemeanor violation of pretrial services, and two counts of misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor as part of a plea agreement. One charge each of misdemeanor driving suspended and misdemeanor reckless…
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