Quinton man receives nearly eight years in prison for distributing cocaine in New Kent

A Quinton man will spend more than seven years in prison after receiving sentencing related to drug charges following Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

Kelly Antione Murchinson, 42, of the 7100 of Lovegrass Court, was sentenced on one charge each of manufacturing or distributing a Schedule I/II drug (second offense), possession of a gun while in possession of a Schedule I/II drug, and possession of a Schedule I/II drug.

On Oct. 1, a jury heard Murchinson’s case. There, New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick was able to show that on Mar. 30, 2023, the defendant possessed cocaine and was distributing it to others in New Kent County. Murchinson was also in possession of a gun at the time of the offense.

During sentencing, Renick brought up those points, along with pointing out the criminal’s history of selling drugs.

“He’s been doing this for a long time,” the Commonwealth’s Attorney said. “He’s been doing it in other jurisdictions and now, he’s doing it in New Kent County.

“The thing that bothers me the most is that he was convicted of selling drugs to a minor,” Renick added. “From the Commonwealth’s standpoint, he needs to be sentenced to the high end of the guidelines.”

Murchinson received a 10-year sentence with seven years suspended on the distribution conviction, with all three of the active years imposed mandatory time as required by law. He received a five-year sentence with three years suspended on the possession of a gun while in possession of a Schedule I/II conviction, with the two active years being mandatory time to serve. On the possession of cocaine conviction, he received a 10-year sentence with eight years, two months suspended (one year, 10 months to serve), bringing his total active time to seven years, 10 months to serve.

Murchinson indicated in circuit court that he plans to appeal his conviction. In other circuit court matters:

–Amanda Nichole Cook, 28, of the 1500 block of Dispatch Road, Quinton, entered a no contest plea to one count of possession of a Schedule I/II substance. A no contest plea indicates that evidence presented by the prosecution would be enough to convict the defendant of the crime.

In a summary of evidence, on May 6, a New Kent deputy check registration saw a vehicle belonging to a driver that was unlicensed. The driver, identified as Cook, went to retrieve the registration from the car. As she opened the glove box, the deputy noticed a plastic bag with a white substance in it. A consent of the vehicle was given, and the officer discovered the bag, along with a glass pipe inside of the glove box. The items were sent to the forensics lab, with the substance determined to be cocaine.

Under the agreement, Cook received a 10-year sentence with all time suspended. She also received a fine of $1,000.

–Lee Ann Grimm, 31, of the 9700 block of Swinging Bridge Road, Quinton, pled no contest o an amended charge of misdemeanor unauthorized use of a vehicle (originally grand theft auto) as part of an agreement.

In a summary of evidence, on Oct. 28, 2023, a New Kent deputy received a call for service about a person with a possible warrant in possession of a vehicle. That suspect, identified as Grimm, was located and questioned about being the vehicle. The deputy was able to observe the vehicle, noticing damage that was caused to it. Grimm was arrested for using the vehicle without permission.

Under the agreement, she received a 12-month sentence with all but 10 days suspended. She was also fined $500 and must pay $250 in restitution for damage caused to the vehicle.

–Xavier Jayel Moore, 21, of the 100 block of Fairmont Drive, Hampton, entered guilty pleas to one count each of felony eluding and misdemeanor carrying a concealed weapon as part of a plea agreement. One charge of misdemeanor fleeing was dropped as part of the deal.

In a summary of evidence, on Mar. 18 shortly after midnight, a Virginia State Police trooper monitoring Interstate 64 traffic westbound at mile marker 224 clocked a vehicle traveling 88 miles per hour in a posted 70 miles per hour zone. When the vehicle turned its lights off after passing the officer, the trooper pulled out and attempted to execute a traffic stop. The suspected vehicle sped up, reaching speeds at 130 miles per hour. The suspect’s vehicle exited at the 205 exit, making a right onto New Kent Highway. The vehicle then made another right onto Homestead Road and made a left on Airport Drive before arriving at a dead end. The driver bailed on foot, with the officer giving chase before being caught and handcuffed. The driver, identified as Moore, was patted down, with a Glock 9mm pistol being found around his waistband.

Under the agreement, Moore received a five-year sentence with four years, nine months suspended (three months to serve) on the felony eluding charge. All 12 months on the possession of a concealed weapon were suspended. Moore must also pay a total of $2,000 in fines.

–Amilcar Gilberto Perez Bravo, 28, of the 200 block of Pointer Circle, Newport News, entered a no contest plea to one count of possession of a Schedule I/II drug.

In a summary of evidence, on Mar. 28, a Virginia State Police trooper noticed a vehicle operating on the road that did not have an inspection sticker. As the officer executed a traffic stop, he noticed movement by the right rear passenger who removed his jacket and tossed it to his floorboard. That individual, identified as Perez Bravo, was removed from the car and arrested for being drunk in public. A search of the vehicle where Perez Bravo was sitting yielded the discovery of a bag with a white powdery substance, later identified as cocaine.

Under the agreement, Perez Bravo will enter into the First Offender Program. If he successfully completes it, the charge will be dismissed.

–Jamarcus Vyshawn Manroe Watkins, 23, of the 200 block of Shipwright Loop, Williamsburg, had his case continued for sentencing as he was found not guilty by reason of insanity. In a summary of evidence, Watkins assaulted and battered three emergency technicians on Aug. 23, 2023, while being transported for injuries.
Watkins case will reviewed on March 17, 2025 as he will be transported and placed in the custody of the Department of Behavior and Health Services.