Williamsburg man slapped with two-year jail sentence for 2019 drug distribution

A Williamsburg man who was in possession of drugs during a 2019 traffic stop will spend at least the next two years in jail.

Eugene Meredith Otey, 49, of the 4500 block of Wimbledon Road, entered a guilty plea to one count each of possession of a Schedule I/II drug with intent to distribute, felony failure to appear, and misdemeanor violating the conditions of pretrial following Monday proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

In a summary of evidence, on June 11, 2019, a Virginia State Police officer executed a traffic stop in the county. A K-9 unit was brought on scene, alerting officers of possible drugs. Otey, who was a passenger, admitted that he had an ounce and a half of crystal meth on him. However, a further investigation by a New Kent investigator discovered 47.24 grams of the substance in a bag that Otey claimed was his. The investigator informed Virginia State Police that the amount discovered was consistent with distribution and not self-use, leading to the distribution charge.

Under the agreement, Otey received a 10-year sentence with eight years suspended (two years to serve) on the drug conviction. A presentence report is being prepared on the failure to appear and violation of pretrial services as the defendant failed to show up for his trial that was originally scheduled in Fall 2020. He must also pay a fine of $1,000.

In other circuit court matters:

–Emmanuel Ruben Carrerro, 50, of the 6400 block of Farmers Drive, Barhamsville, pled guilty to one count of misdemeanor assault and battery on a family member as part of a plea deal. One charge of strangulation was dropped as part of the agreement.

In a summary of evidence, on Dec. 19, 2023, a New Kent deputy responded to a call for service at the residence on Farmers Drive. There, the victim approached the officer and informed them that they had been attacked by Carrerro. An investigation occurred, and Carrerro admitted during the interview that he pushed the victim and possibly punched them in the chest.

Under the agreement, Carrerro received a 12-month jail sentence with eight months suspended (four months to serve).

–Willard Lionel Maurice Chapman, 48, of the 8500 block of Courthouse Road, Providence Forge, entered a guilty plea to one charge of possession of a Schedule I/II drug as part of a plea agreement.

In a summary of evidence, on Feb. 18 a Virginia State Trooper noticed a vehicle traveling slow in the fast lane on Interstate 64. A traffic stop took place as Chapman was identified as the driver. As the officer was speaking with Chapman, he noticed a straw that was cut and contained a white substance sitting in the passenger seat. The officer removed Chapman from the vehicle, with a subsequent search of the person revealing a white bag with a powdery substance. That substance was submitted to the forensics lab and was determined to be cocaine.

Under the plea agreement, a presentence report is being prepared to see if Chapman qualifies for CCAP (Community Corrections Alternative Program). Sentencing guidelines recommend a range of two years, one month to four years, six months. Sentencing for Chapman is scheduled for Sept. 16.

–Nathan Shane Evans, 50, of the 4300 block of Wigeon Drive, Providence Forge, entered a guilty plea to a single charge of possession of a Schedule I/II drug.

In a summary of evidence, on Sept. 29, 2023, a New Kent deputy observed a vehicle crossing a center line multiple times. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, identified as Evans, showed signs of possible intoxication. As field sobriety test was being conducted, a second officer with a K-9 unit arrived, with the dog signaling the possibility of drugs in the vehicle. A black backpack with red pills were discovered, and Evans admitted that the bag belonged to him. The pills were submitted to the forensics lab and tested positive for methamphetamine.

Under the agreement Evans received a 10-year sentence with all time suspended. He must pay a fine of $750.

–Sara Elizabeth Hooks, 33, of the 600 block of Aqua Vista Drive, Newport News, entered a guilty plea to a solo charge of possession of a Schedule I/II drug as part of a plea agreement. An additional possession charge was dropped as part of the deal.

In a summary of evidence, on Dec. 31, 2023, a Virginia State Trooper on patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Hooks was the passenger. When obtaining information about both the driver and passenger, Hooks gave a false name. After the name she provided did not come back in the system, she provided the officer with her social security number. That number revealed that Hooks had a warrant out of another jurisdiction, leading to her arrest. Upon searching her belongings, a glass device was recovered with a powdery substance inside. The substances inside were a combination of cocaine, heroin, and Fentanyl.

Under the agreement, Hooks received a 10-year sentence with nine years suspended (one year to serve). She must also pay a fine of $750.

–Ross Maurice Thompson, 41, of the 5700 block of New Kent Highway, Quinton, had one charge of possession a Schedule I/II drug dismissed after successfully completing the requirements of the First Offender Program.