More charges piled on suspects linked to meth lab/marijuana grow operation

Three suspects arrested yesterday in the aftermath of a New Kent Sheriff’s Office/DEA raid at a suspected methamphetamine lab in the county now face additional charges. None of the charges, however, relate to the meth lab/marijuana grow authorities discovered. (See related story on this website.)

Authorities originally charged Jason Andrew Meade, 25, of the 6300 block of Hopewell Road, New Kent, and Whitney Renee Marciniak, 23, of the 200 block of North Ivy Ave., Highland Springs, with one count each of burglary and larceny.

Additional charges, six for Meade and seven against Marciniak, were added before the pair appeared today in New Kent General District Court.

Meade now faces two counts each of felony burglary and misdemeanor petty larceny and destruction of property along with one count of felony possession of burglary tools.

Marciniak is charged with two counts each of felony burglary and misdemeanor attempted petty larceny plus one count each of felony possession of burglary tools and misdemeanor destruction of property and unlawful entry. She also is charged with driving on a suspended license.

New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Linwood Gregory said the charges stem from break-ins at two residences in the county, one on Lakeshore Drive and the other on Newtown Road. Deputies arrested Meade and Marciniak yesterday morning as they fled the scene of the break-in on Newtown Road. Investigators said information provided by the pair led to discovery of the meth lab/grow room.

Gregory said both suspects appeared in court today for arraignment and appointment of counsel. Attorney Leigh Major has been appointed to represent Marciniak. Meade’s appointed attorney is Richard Collins.

A preliminary hearing date of July 22 has been scheduled for both defendants. They are being held in jail without bond.

Thus far, no charges have been lodged in connection with the meth lab and marijuana growing operation authorities found inside the trailer that is listed as Meade’s address.

“We may seek additional charges before a grand jury at a later time, but we’re not sure how to handle it yet,” Gregory said, noting that both defendants have other charges pending in Hanover County.

Seeking direct indictments handed up by a grand jury would bypass the preliminary hearing process in general district court. A grand jury is set to convene on May 19, but Gregory said that date could be too soon. After that, the next grand jury meets in July.

“We’re not sure at this point in time [when the matter could go before a grand jury],” he added.

Authorities discovered the third suspect, Nathaniel Blake Atkins, 23, (address not available), at the trailer and initially charged him with felony heroin possession. A charge of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia has since been added.

Atkins also appeared in general district court today. His appointed attorney is John Jones, and his bail has been set at $1,500. A July 8 preliminary hearing date has been scheduled in general district court.