Author: Timothy Watson

Friends Try To Raise Money For 13-Year-Old’s Funeral

From NBC 4 in Washington, D.C.: Friends Try To Raise Money For 13-Year-Old’s Funeral:

Friends of a slain 13-year-old Spotsylvania girl are trying to raise money for her funeral.

Kayla Reynolds was shot in the head and killed while on her front porch in the 11900 block of Belfonte Road early Tuesday morning. Her 19-year-old pregnant stepsister, Amber Barnett, was also shot, police said. She was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

Kayla’s father, Earl Wayne Reynolds, 44, was arrested in the shooting. He was charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Lewis Hague, a relative, told News4 that Kayla accused Reynolds of using crack, causing him to lose control.

Kayla Reynolds’ friends and neighbors are asking that the public contribute to a memorial fund set up to pay for the 13-year-old’s funeral service and burial costs.

She was a student at Post Oak Middle School. Principal Keith Wolfe said counselors will be available for students to talk to at the school. A banner will be placed in the cafeteria for students to express memories of Kayla.

News4’s Julie Carey reported that the girls’ mother died five years ago.

Earl Reynolds, also known as Butch, was in court on Thursday on unrelated charges, officials said.

He was previously charged with driving while intoxicated and driving without a license, officials said. After being jailed for not showing up to court, officials said Earl Reynolds was released on bond and told to show up to court this Thursday on those charges, officials said.

Memorial Fund Information:
Kayla Reynolds Memorial Fund
SunTrust Bank
5101 Jefferson Davis Highway
Fredericksburg, VA 22407
Contact: Carlos Longo
(540) 899-5623

Caroline County Public School Division overall fails to make adequate yearly progress (AYP)…

and only two schools (Bowling Green Primary and Bowling Green Elementary) made adequate yearly progress period. Meanwhile, 72% of the schools in Virginia did make AYP.

PDFs for the schools:

Apparently, $34,832,460 (operating budget only) isn’t enough money for Caroline County Public Schools. Am I the only one that thinks we need vouchers? They spent $7,952.68 per student last year; with that amount of money you could send your child to Fredericksburg Christian Schools and have between $722.68 and $1814.68 (depending on grade) left over.

Bill Pickett (candidate, Board of Supervisors, I-Mattaponi District) wants to increase the gas tax?

CORRECTION: Bill Pickett NOT for gas tax increase

Apparently, from The Caroline Progress (print edition, August 22, 2007): Candidates for Board of Supervisors reveal their visions for Caroline County:

Pickett also said the county should look into raising revenues by a small increase in the tax on gas.

Really, a “small increase”? How much, exactly, is a “small increase”?

With all the gas sold at Carmel Church where numerous interstate travelers stop to refuel, a small increase in the gas tax would bring in needed revenue while having a minimal impact on county residents, he said.

“[A] minimal impact on county residents”? Don’t county residents buy gas in the county? The average cost of gas is already $2.64 in Virginia. How about talking about better spending money than raising taxes?

Do you want to be paying more for gas just because the Board of Supervisors can’t stop spending $17,460 per board member for their salaries (they’ve increased their salaries for at least five straight years [or as they call it “[n]o significant changes”]), or $100,000 on courthouse greenery, or $1,100,000 on a visitor center, or $3,200,000 on a community recreation facility?

Nothing illegal here. Move along, move along… Part 3

From the AP via WUSA 9 in Washington, D.C.: Priest Charged In Embezzlement Scheme Indicted On Federal Charges:

A Roman Catholic priest charged in state court with embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from two rural churches was indicted Tuesday on federal fraud charges, federal prosecutors said.

A federal grand jury indicted the Rev. Rodney L. Rodis, 51, of Fredericksburg, on charges of mail fraud, wire fraud and money laundering, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced in a news release.

According to the indictment, Rodis embezzled money from Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bumpass and St. Jude Church in Mineral from 2002 until last year. Rodis wired at least $515,231 of misappropriated parishioner contributions to the Philippines, the release said.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Richmond has said Rodis embezzled more than $600,000 from the churches, where he was pastor from 1993 until his retirement last May.

Rodis is being held at Central Virginia Regional Jail in Orange County on 13 state felony embezzlement charges stemming from the incident. In May, Rodis’ bond was revoked after he violated terms of his bond.

“If the federal authorities had indicted Father Rodney for the same offenses for which he was standing trail in the state court, then arguably double jeopardy principles would prevent him from being tried in both courts for the same offense,” said Rodis’ lawyer, John R. Maus.

No, it doesn’t, you idiot. Where the hell did you go to law school? How the hell did you pass the bar? Of course, this isn’t the first moronic argument you’ve made.

Maus would not comment further on the charges because he had not yet seen the indictment.

Lousia [sic] County Commonwealth’s Attorney Don Short said he’s not surprised by the charges, but believes it probably will cause the state charges to be dropped in order to allow federal authorities to proceed.

Rodis used a post office box to obtain checks from parishioners, which he would transfer to a personal bank account and wire to the Philippines, according to court documents.

The release said that Rodis used the money and property intended for church use for his spouse and three biological children, “whom he concealed” by living about 50 miles from the church.

The case against Rodis originated in November when officials with the Catholic Diocese of Richmond found a Pennsylvania donor’s check was deposited in a bank account they knew nothing about.

Two Teens Shot, One Killed In Spotsylvania County

From NBC 4 in Washington, D.C.: Two Teens Shot, One Killed In Spotsylvania County:

The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a double shooting near Lake Anna Tuesday morning.

At about 2 a.m., the sheriff’s office received a report of two teenage girls shot in the 11900 block of Bellefonte Road, authorities said.

Responding deputies said they found a 13-year-old girl dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Her 19-year-old sister was taken to the Medical College of Virginia Hospital in Richmond in serious condition. She had suffered a gunshot wound to the chin, authorities said.

According to the sheriff’s office, the girls apparently were shot by their stepfather.

UPDATE: From the AP via WUSA 9 in Washington, D.C.: Father Charged With Shooting Daughters; One Dead:

Authorities say a Spotsylvania County man is accused of shooting his daughter and his stepdaughter at their home.

The sheriff’s office says deputies found 13-year-old Kayla Reynolds dead on the front porch of the family’s home shortly after 1 a.m. today and her 19-year-old sister was flown to VCU Medical Center in Richmond. Her name was not released, but authorities say she’s in stable condition.

Authorities say the 19-year-old woman met them at the door and said her stepfather had shot her and her stepsister.

Investigators say 44-year-old Earl Wayne Reynolds is charged with first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is jailed on no bond.

Imagine if they had been men… Part 2

From the AP via NBC 4 in Washington, D.C.: Inmate Who Allegedly Had Sex With Guards Back In Jail [emphasis mine]:

A man who allegedly had sex with two female Prince William County corrections officers while he was under house arrest is back in jail.

Authorities said the 23-year-old violated the terms of his work release. He is serving the remaining three weeks of his sentence at the Rappahannock County jail.

Two Prince William corrections officers are accused of having sexual relations with the man. Maria Torres-Corbin and Tamara Fay Bonos were charged with carnal knowledge of an inmate. Officials said neither of the women knew about the other one.

Although the sex was consensual, officials say it’s a crime because of the custodial relationship.

Prince William jail officials said the inmate skipped his scheduled work, left early without permission and visited Bonos at her home.

So, now the victim of this horrible crime is in jail? Where’s the outrage?

Maybe he isn’t as big of an idiot as I thought…

From the Richmond Times-Dispatch: Kaine asks for 5% cuts [emphasis mine]:

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is asking state agencies to cut their budgets by 5 percent to help deal with a tax income shortfall of $641 million for last year and this current fiscal year.

The Democratic governor told the assembly’s money committees today that a slowing economy has resulted in less cash than projected.

The fiscal year ending June 30 fell $234 million short of forecasts for tax income. This fiscal year, which runs from July 1 to June 30, 2008, is projected to have $407 million less than expected.

[…]

Kaine will also seek a 5 percent reduction in the governor’s office budget and will reduce grants to non-state agencies by the same amount this fiscal year.

[…]

He is also asking agencies to meet with their cabinet secretaries and the state Department of Planning and Budget to “explore ways” to cut their budgets by 5 percent.

A Democrat asking for budget cuts? If only the Republicans would do that…

Justice in Caroline? Nope, just nolle prosequis. Part 4, a trip down memory lane.

Since there was no court proceedings section in the August 15, 2007, edition of The Caroline Progress, I decided to go way back to the June 27, 2007, and July 4, 2007, editions.

From The Caroline Progress (print edition, June 27, 2007): General District Court-June 15 and 22 [emphasis mine throughout]:

Deonia Melissa Sue Donald, of Ruther Glen, was charged with felony prescription fraud from an incident on Nov. 15, 2006. The charge was nolle prosequi. A subsequent charge of failure to appear on the felony charge from Feb. 2 was also nolle prosequi. Two felony possession of controlled substance charges from the same incident were certified to grand jury. Donald was arrested by Caroline County Sheriff’s deputy [sic] DIP [sic] on the day of the incident and held in custody.

The Caroline Progress needs to do a little fact-checking before publishing. First, only one of the two controlled substance charges were certified; the other was nolle prosequi. Second, she was also charged with possession of marijuana, which was also nolle prosequi. Third, I believe she was only held in custody following her arrest on the failure to appear (which was later nolle prosequi). But anyway, a complete breakdown:

  • Deonia Melissa Sue Donald’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • September 6, 2007, Stafford County General District:
      • Pending – Driving on suspended license.
      • Pending – Failure to appear on misdemeanor.
      • Pending – Capias/Failure to appear.
      • Pending – Capias/Failure to comply pretrial.
    • June 15, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Prescription fraud.
      • Nolle prosequi – Failure to appear on felony charge.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of controlled substance.
      • Grand Jury (Pending in Circuit Court, next hearing September 25, 2007) – Possession of controlled substance.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
    • March 8, 2007, Stafford County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Operating uninspected vehicle.
    • May 24, 2006, Caroline County General District:
      • Prepaid – Safety belt violation.

Jermaine Brown, of Ruther Glen, was charged with felony grand larceny from an incident on Feb. 20. He was arrested by Caroline County Sheriff’s Deputy Cecil on Feb. 21 and held in custody. The charge was nolle prosequi.

  • Jermaine Brown’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • October 12, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Pending – Possession of stolen goods.
      • Pending – Forged license plates.
    • August 10, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty, appealing to Circuit Court – Assault
      • Guilty, appealing to Circuit Court – Assault
      • Guilty, appealing to Circuit Court – Disorderly Conduct
    • June 15, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Grand larceny.

So Mr. Jermaine Brown was held in custody for 114 days, went through four hearings, just to have the charge nolle prosequi? How much did that cost the county? How about the other charges he has been convicted of (he is appealing them) and the ones he is charged with now?

Quinton W. Byrd, of Bowling Green, was charged with misdemeanor possession of concealed weapon from an incident on March 24. The charge was nolle prosequi.

The Caroline Progress leaves out the fact he was convicted of driving under the influence the same day. A drunk illegally carrying a concealed weapon? I guess that isn’t worth prosecuting. He was probably going to Bible study anyway.

  • Quinton W. Byrd’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • June 15, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Concealed weapon.
      • Guilty – Driving under the influence.

Lashiba Cameo Budd, of Ruther Glen, was charged with misdemeanor shoplifting from an incident on April 2. The charge was nolle prosequi.

  • Lashiba Cameo Budd’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • June 22, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Shoplifting.
    • September 30, 2005, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Intent to sell controlled substance.
    • April 22, 2003, Stafford County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Driving on suspended license.
    • August 6, 2001, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Cursing abuse.

From The Caroline Progress (print edition, July 4, 2007): Circuit Court-Month of June [emphasis mine throughout]:

Kenneth W. Derricotte, of Ruther Glen, was charged with felony possession of crack cocaine from a March 28, 2006 incident. The charge was nolle prosequi.

  • Kenneth W. Derricotte’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • June 20, 2007, Caroline County Circuit Court:
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of crack cocaine.
    • February 16, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Shoplifting.
      • Guilty – Failure to appear on misdemeanor charge.
    • June 30, 2006, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Drunk in public.
    • January 21, 2004 Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Shoplifting.

Benjamin Garlick, of Bowling Green, was charged with felony distribution of cocaine from an Oct. 13, 2006 incident. He was arrested on April 16, 2007 following a direct indictment by Caroline County grand jury. The charged was nolle prosequi. Another felony distribution of cocaine charge against Garlick was continued to Aug. 14.

  • Benjamin Garlick’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • August 14, 2007, Caroline County Circuit Court:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
    • June 20, 2007, Caroline County Circuit Court:
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
    • May 20, 2003, Fredericksburg General District:
      • Guilty – Entering property with intent to damage.
    • May 10, 2001, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – No valid operator’s license.

Angela Latney, of Bowling Green, was charged with felony distribution of cocaine from an Oct. 19, 2005 incident. She was arrested on April 16, 2007 following a direct indictment by Caroline County grand jury. The charge was nolle prosequi. Two other charges against Latney of felony distribution of cocaine were continued to July 24.

  • Angela Latney’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • July 24, 2007, Caroline County Circuit Court:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
    • June 20, 2007, Caroline County Circuit Court:
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.

Michael Freeman, of Ruther Glen, was charged with five counts of felony distribution of cocaine from 2005. He was arrested on Jan. 9, 2007 following a direct indictment by Caroline County grand jury. Four of the charges were nolle prosequi. He was found guilty of one count of distribution of cocaine following a bench trial on June 26 and sentenced to five years with four years and three months suspended.

  • Michael Freeman’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • June 26, 2007, Caroline County Circuit Court:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.

James Laplante, of Ruther Glen, was charged with six counts of felony distribution of cocaine from late 2005 and early 2006. He was arrested on Jan. 9, 2007 following a direct indictment by Caroline County grand jury. Five of the charges were nolle prosequi. He was found guilty of one count of distribution of cocaine following a bench trial on June 26. He was sentenced to five years with four years and three months suspended.

  • James Laplante’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • June 26, 2007, Caroline County Circuit Court:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
    • January 23, 2007, Hanover County General District:
      • Guilty – Identify fraud.
      • Guilty – Public swearing or intoxication.
      • Guilty – Reckless driving.
    • January 20, 2004, Hanover County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Operating vehicle with expired rejection sticker.

Julio Castellon, of Bowling Green, was charged with seven counts of felony distribution of cocaine from early 2007. He was arrested on May 14 following a direct indictment by Caroline County grand jury. Four the charges were nolle prosequi. The other three were continued for a bench trial on Aug. 14.

He wasn’t charged with seven counts of distribution of cocaine; he was charged with five counts of distribution of cocaine, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possessing a firearm while possessing cocaine, but anyway:

  • Julio Castellon’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • August 24, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Pending – Possession of Schedule I/II drug with intent to distribute.
      • Pending – Capias – Failure to comply pretrial/arraignment.
    • August 14, 2007, Caroline County Circuit Court:
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Guilty – Distribution of cocaine.
    • July 6, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Possession of marijuana.
    • June 26, 2007, Caroline County Circuit Court:
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Distribution of cocaine.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possessing firearm while possessing cocaine.
    • January 5, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – No driver’s license.
      • Prepaid – Defective equipment.
    • April 26, 2006, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – No driver’s license.

From The Caroline Progress (print edition, July 4, 2007): General District Court-June 29 [emphasis mine throughout]:

Mark Edward Powell, of Ruther Glen, was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle from an incident on Jan. 21. The charge was nolle prosequi.

  • Mark Edward Powell’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • August 24, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Pending – Hit and run.
      • Pending – Habitual offender.
      • Pending – Reckless Driving.
    • June 29, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Unauthorized use of vehicle.
      • Guilty – Petit larceny – vehicle/parts.
    • September 15, 2006, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Prepaid – Failure to obey no wake zone.
    • March 18, 2005, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Possession of marijuana.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of a controlled substance.
      • Nolle prosequi – Drunk in public.
    • February 5, 2004, Fredericksburg General District:
      • Guilty – Shoplifting, second offense.
    • January 8, 2004, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty – Failure to comply with VASAP.
    • August 21, 2003, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty – Failure to appear on misdemeanor.
      • Guilty – Driving while intoxicated, second offense.
    • April 13, 2001, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Driving on suspended license.
      • Nolle prosequi – Defective equipment.
    • February 8, 2000, Fredericksburg General District:
      • Guilty – Petit larceny.
    • December 27, 1999, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty – Drunk in public.
    • January 22, 1999, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Driving on suspended license.
      • Guilty – Failure to appear.
      • Nolle prosequi – Failure to report accident.
      • Nolle prosequi – Reckless driving.

Anthony J. Stewart, of Ruther Glen, was charged with two felony counts of possession of controlled substance from an incident on March 18. One charge was nolle prosequi. The other was certified to grand jury.

  • Anthony J. Stewart’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • June 29, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Grand jury – Possession of a controlled substance.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of a controlled substance.
      • Nolle prosequi – Possession of marijuana.
    • August 6, 2006, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – 79/55 reckless driving.
    • September 21, 1999, Stafford County General District:
      • Fugitive file – Driving after being declared a habitual offender.
      • Fugitive file – Failure to appear.
      • Fugitive file – Possession of marijuana.
      • Fugitive file – Defective equipment.
      • Fugitive file – Seat belt violation.
    • June 14, 1999, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty – Possession of marijuana.
    • February 16, 1999, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty – Trespassing.
    • January 25, 1999, Fredericksburg Circuit:
      • Guilty – Driving suspended, second offense.
    • November 10, 1998, Fredericksburg General District:
      • Guilty – Running red light.
    • February 3, 1998, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty – Speeding 60/45.

Timothy Thomas Gaumer, of Woodford, was charged with misdemeanor use of obscene language and misdemeanor assault from an incident on June 4. Both charges were nolle prosequi.

  • Timothy Thomas Gaumer’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • June 29, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Obscene language.
      • Nolle prosequi – Assault.
    • July 18, 2005, Fredericksburg Circuit:
      • Sentence/Probation revoked – Violation of parole.
    • November 17, 2004, Caroline County Circuit:
      • Guilty – Assault.
      • Guilty – Malicious wounding.
    • July 17, 2000, Fredericksburg Circuit:
      • Guilty – Attempted robbery.
      • Guilty – Assault and battery.
    • January 21, 2000, Stafford County General District:
      • Guilty – Defrauding innkeeper.
    • November 18, 1999, Fredericksburg General District:
      • Guilty – Open burning.
      • Guilty – Drunk in public.
    • November 9, 1999, Fredericksburg General District:
      • Guilty – Trespassing.
    • September 16, 1999, Fredericksburg General District:
      • Guilty – Trespassing.
      • Guilty – Drinking in public.
    • August 19, 1999, Fredericksburg General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Possessing alcohol on riverbank.
      • Guilty in absentia – Drinking in public.
      • Guilty in absentia – Drinking in public.
    • July 13, 1999, Fredericksburg General District:
      • Guilty – Petit larceny.
    • July 12, 1999, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Drunk in public.
    • April 21, 1999, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Failure to use seatbelt.
    • December 11, 1998, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Abduction.
    • October 21, 1998, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Obstruction of justice.
    • January 17, 1997, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Failure to appear.

Laura Lee Whittemore, of Corbin, was charged with misdemeanor damaging property from an incident on June 4. The charge was nolle prosequi.

  • Laura Lee Whittemore’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • June 29, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Damaging property.
    • June 22, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Driving while suspended.
      • Guilty – Operating uninspected vehicle.
    • June 11, 2007, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty – Driving on suspended license.
    • April 21, 2006, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Driving on suspended license.
      • Guilty – No registration card.
      • Guilty – 70/55 speeding.
    • March 15, 2004, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty – Driving while suspended.
      • Guilty – Failure to appear on misdemeanor.
    • January 25, 2001, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Driving while operator’s license suspended.
      • Guilty in absentia – Show cause, failure to appear on misdemeanor.
      • Guilty in absentia – Failure to secure child under the age of 16 with seatbelt.
    • April 1, 1999, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – Operating vehicle without license.
    • November 13, 1998, Stafford County General District:
      • Guilty in absentia – No valid operator’s license.

Gregory Leroy Boone, of Woodford, was charged with drinking while driving. The charge was nolle prosequi.

  • Gregory Leroy Boone’s partial criminal history (felonies in bold, nolle prosequi by Harvey Latney in italics):
    • September 21, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Pending – Revocation of suspended sentence.
    • June 29, 2007, Caroline County General District:
      • Nolle prosequi – Drinking while driving
      • Guilty – Driving while intoxicated, second offense within five years.
      • Guilty – Driving after forfeiture of license.
    • April 7, 2006, Caroline County General District:
      • Guilty – Second driving under the influence.
      • Guilty – 56/45 speeding.
    • May 24, 2001, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty – Expired registration.
    • May 28, 1998, Spotsylvania County General District:
      • Guilty – Improper driving.

NOTE: (For the criminal histories, I only checked Caroline, Hanover, King George, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties, as well as the city of Fredericksburg.)

Imagine if they had been men…

From the AP via NBC 4 in Washington, D.C.: 2 Corrections Officers Charged With Having Sex With Inmate [emphasis mine]:

Two female Prince William County corrections officers have been charged with having sexual relations with the same former inmate while he was still in the county’s custody on house arrest.

The two women apparently never knew about each other, authorities said.

Maria C. Torres-Corbin, 48, a master jail officer with almost 20 years’ experience, was arrested last week and charged with having carnal knowledge of an inmate, a felony. Torres-Corbin, of Fredericksburg, recently had been assigned to the work-release center, where she was responsible for checking on inmates in the electronic-monitoring program.

Then, on Wednesday, police charged Tamara Fay Bonos, 32, with the same crime.

Bonos, of Manassas, was an entry-level officer who worked at the main building of the regional jail for 18 months, said the jail’s superintendent, Col. Charles “Skip” Land.

[…]

Police said the corrections officers were off-duty when the incidents occurred at the inmate’s home. They said the man had been held in the county jail before he was put on work release and then on electronic monitoring while at home, police said.

“It was consensual,” Land said, “but if you read the code, the female officers had custodial rights over him. … Therein lies the problem.”

I’m absolutely certain he would have made that comment if the two correction officers had been male.

Even I think this is a little too much…

From the AP via NBC 4 in Washington, D.C.: Jury Recommends 135 Years For Man Who Sold 6 Pills [emphasis mine]:

A Dickenson County jury has recommended 135 years in prison and a $600,000 fine for a man they convicted of selling six prescription pills.

The jury deliberated about an hour Thursday evening before convicting Jody Bill Powers, 49, of selling two pills on three different occasions within 1,000 feet of a school.

The sales happened in 2005 and involved OxyContin and morphine. Powers sold the drugs near the apartment complex near Haysi, where he lived.

Dickenson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Joe Short said the sentence is the most harsh he’s heard of. Short said he thinks people in southwest Virginia “are sick and tired of drug addiction.”

The final decision on the sentence is left to a judge, who will consider the jury’s recommendation when he sentences Powers on Dec. 13.

Like, I said, this is a little too much.

Too bad we can’t get verdicts like this in Caroline County because Harvey Latney won’t attempt to get jury trials for drug charges. Instead, they get five years with five years suspended in a bench trial. That’s really going to stop the drug problem in the county.