Richmond man receives 12-month sentence for distributing marijuana in New Kent

A Richmond man will spend the next 12 months in jail for distributing marijuana in New Kent County.

Thomas Edward Burwell, 40, of the 900 block of N. 36th Street, entered a guilty plea to an amended charge of misdemeanor distribution of marijuana less than one ounce (originally distribution of a Schedule I/II substance-second offense) as part of a plea agreement reached Monday in New Kent Circuit Court.

In a summary of evidence provided by New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick, on Jan. 26, 2024, the Twin Rivers Drug Task Force conducted several control buys with a confidential informant throughout the county. Among the targets was Burwell, who sold the informant the drugs. When the drugs were tested by a forensics lab, they were revealed to be marijuana.

Under the plea agreement, Burwell received a 12-month sentence with no time suspended. He must also pay a fine of $250.

In other circuit court matters:

–Stephen Hank Benedict Breyaert, 35, of the 3900 block of Grovewood Way, Williamsburg, entered a guilty plea to a single count of possession of a Schedule I/II substance as part of a plea deal. One charge of misdemeanor driving while intoxicated was dropped as part of the agreement.

In a summary of evidence, on July 10, 2024, a New Kent deputy received a call about an erratic driver operating a vehicle. The officer was able to locate the vehicle and executed a traffic stop. The deputy identified the driver as Breyaert, and during discussions with the driver, noticed he tried to cover something up that was sitting on the passenger’s seat. The deputy asked the defendant about the item before conducting a search, resulting in the discovery of a syringe with clear liquid inside of it. The items were sent for testing, with results yielding that the substance was fentanyl.

Under the agreement, Breyaert received a three-year sentence with all time suspended. He must pay $500 in fines.

–Markene Dejuan Jones, 34, of the 18000 block of New Kent Highway, Barhamsville, pled guilty to a single count of embezzlement as part of a plea agreement. One charge of receiving stolen goods was dropped as part of the deal.

In a summary of evidence, on Oct. 31, 2022, Jones was employed at Love’s Travel Center near the Talleysville area of New Kent County. An investigation began after lottery funds began to go missing. It was revealed through the investigation that Jones had stolen lottery tickets that yielded more than $13,000 in winnings. He was arrested for the offense.

A presentence report is being prepared, with formal sentencing slated for June 9.

–Travis Orlando Kelly, 60, currently of Henrico Jail East, pled guilty to a solo count of assault and battery of a law enforcement officer as part of a plea deal.

In a summary of evidence, on Oct. 17, 2024, Kelly was an inmate at Henrico Jail East in eastern New Kent when he became unruly with officers. As officers tried to restrain him, he pushed one of them. No injuries occurred as the result of the shove.

Under the agreement, Kelly received a five-year sentence with all but six months suspended. The six-month active sentence imposed is required by state statute.