Petersburg man receives close to three years in prison for distributing drugs in New Kent

A Petersburg man will spend nearly three years in prison for distributing drugs in New Kent County.

Darius Deandre Harris, 30, of 36 North Union Street, entered a guilty plea to one count of distributing cocaine as part of a plea agreement reached Monday in New Kent Circuit Court. An additional charge of selling a Schedule I/II drug, along with misdemeanor fleeing from police, and misdemeanor obstruction of justice were dropped as part of the agreement.

In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick, on July 12, 2023, a police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling in New Kent. The vehicle did not stop and continued before pulling over later. Harris was inside of the vehicle and was removed. A search of the vehicle revealed the discovery of a white powdery substance, later identified as cocaine through forensics tests. The amount discovered was consistent to a weight that is used for selling and not self-use according to the summary of evidence. Harris was arrested on that charge.

Under the agreement, Harris received a 20-year sentence with 17 years, two months suspended (two years, 10 months to serve). He also must pay a fine of $1,000.
In other circuit court matters:

–Alexander William Kessler, 27, of the 4400 block of Windy Lane, Barhamsville, was formally sentenced on possession of a Schedule I/II drug. Kessler was on deferred disposition status but elected to forego it. During an April 17, 2023 trial, Kessler admitted to having cocaine in a tube after being arrested on Nov. 12, 2022.

Kessler received a five-year sentence with all time suspended.

–Daniel Ray Robinson, 39, of the 8800 block of Newton Road, St. Stephens Church, entered a guilty plea to one count of possessing a Schedule I/II drug as part of a plea agreement.

In a summary of evidence, on May 31, 2023, a New Kent deputy conducted a traffic stop on a red Dodge Charger after it failed to stop at a stop sign. When the officer pulled up, they noticed the registration had expired on the vehicle. The driver, now identified as Robinson, also had his license revoked. The defendant was removed from the vehicle and a K-9 unit was brought to the scene to search for drugs. The K-9 alerted the deputies of a possible illegal substance, and a search of the vehicle discovered a white residue on the driver’s side floorboard, later determined to be cocaine. Robinson was taken into custody at that time.

A presentence report is being prepared with sentencing guidelines ranging form nine months to one year, six moths to serve. Sentencing is scheduled to take place on Oct. 21.

–Raymond Pernell Waddy II, 49, of the 2300 block of Black Stump Road, Weems, entered a guilty plea to misdemeanor counts of driving after forfeiting license (DUI related), misdemeanor driving revoked, and misdemeanor having an open container in the car after agreeing to terms of a plea deal. One charge of driving while intoxicated (third or subsequent offense) was dropped.

In a summary of evidence, on Oct. 22, 2023, a New Kent Sheriff’s Office deputy was running registrations on vehicles when a Yukon’s registration came back with information saying the vehicle’s owner had a suspended license. The Yukon left the Pilot Travel Plaza on Emmaus Church Road (Route 106) and the officer conducted a traffic stop. The deputy was able to identify the driver of the vehicle, Waddy, who was also the registered owner. Waddy was removed from the vehicle and a search of the Yukon discovered a mason jar with alcohol inside of it. Waddy was not illegally intoxicated at the time he was operating the vehicle.

Under the agreement, the defendant received a 12-month sentence with six months suspended on the misdemeanor driving revoked conviction. All 12 months on the misdemeanor driving after forfeiting license was suspended. He received a total of $2,250 in fines on the three convictions.

–Katrina Elaine White, 37, of the 3100 block of North Avenue, was officially sentenced on one charge each of possession of a Schedule I/II drug and misdemeanor disobeying a judgement after failing to complete the First Offender Program. During a Feb. 24, 2020 trial, White admitted that she was in possession of drugs on June 25, 2019. White was placed in the First Offender program but failed to meet the requirements.

White received a five-year sentence with all time suspended on the possession of a Schedule I/II drug. She will serve all 12 months on the misdemeanor disobeying a judgement conviction.