Lancaster, Virginia, October 2, 2025
News Summary
The Lancaster County Circuit Court addressed several cases including drug offenses and driving violations. Key cases included bond appeals, felony charges against Sean M. Williams, and misdemeanor DWI ruling for Edward F. Moriarity. Notable upcoming trials are scheduled for various defendants, highlighting ongoing legal proceedings in the region.
Lancaster, Virginia – The Lancaster County Circuit Court convened on September 26, presided over by Judge John S. Martin, with multiple cases addressing various charges ranging from drug offenses to driving violations.
Toni L. Rash of Gloucester had her appeal for a General District Court bond decision denied. In another notable case, Sean M. Williams of Richmond faces felony charges for eluding/disregarding police, along with misdemeanors for driving with a suspended license and reckless driving; his trial is set for November 14.
In a dismissed case, Richard A. Rose of Weems was previously offered a deferred disposition for obtaining drugs by fraud, resulting in the charge being dismissed. Meanwhile, Edward F. Moriarity of Heathsville was found guilty of misdemeanor DWI (first offense). He received a 90-day suspended sentence, was fined $250, ordered to pay $316 in court costs, and had his driver’s license suspended for 12 months.
It’s important to note that those charged with alleged crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On September 23, the Northumberland County Circuit Court met with Hon. R. Michael McKenney presiding. James A. Brown IV of Champlain pleaded guilty to two counts related to the distribution/selling of Schedule I/II drugs for profit. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with eight years and eight months suspended, and placed on 10 years of unsupervised probation. Two additional charges against him were nolle prossed.
Travon M. El of Montross is facing charges for manufacturing/distributing Schedule I/II drugs (third offense), with a jury trial scheduled for February 24. Another defendant, Kevin M. Kelly of Callao, stands charged with assault and battery of a family member (third offense) and abduction by force or intimidation; his trial is set for February 10. Maurice C. Veney of Spotsylvania is charged with possession of a weapon as a violent felon, and his case has been continued to October 28. Additionally, Andrew W. Yoho of Powhatan is charged with a probation violation on a felony offense, with his case continued to October 14.
The Lancaster County Circuit Court also convened on September 19, again under the Hon. R. Michael McKenney. Trevon L. Henderson of Weems faces felony charges for strangling with wounds and misdemeanors for stalking and assault and battery of a family member, with a trial set for November 14. Calvin F. Taylor III of Kilmarnock is charged with felony drug sales on or near a school/library and felony manufacturing/distributing a Schedule I/II substance (third-plus offense), with a status hearing scheduled for October 24. Lastly, Michelle White Smith of Gloucester is facing felony charges for violating probation, with a show cause hearing set for November 14.
The Lancaster County Circuit Court had also convened on September 5, where Judge John S. Martin presided. Alkendra S. Coleman of Lancaster is charged with two felonies for violating probation; the show cause hearing has been continued. Troy G.V. Allen of Weems was charged with felony malicious wounding, with his trial continued until October 10. Meanwhile, Kennie L. Belvin of Richmond pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including felonies for eluding/disregarding police and child abuse, with a sentencing hearing scheduled for October 24. Lastly, Travis C. Veney of Weems, appealing a misdemeanor conviction for DWI (first offense), was found guilty again and received a 90-day suspended sentence, 12 months probation, fined $250, and had his driver’s license suspended for 12 months.
Important Dates
- November 14: Trials for Sean M. Williams and Trevon L. Henderson.
- November 14: Show cause hearing for Michelle White Smith.
- October 24: Status hearing for Calvin F. Taylor III.
- October 24: Sentencing hearing for Kennie L. Belvin.
- October 10: Trial for Troy G.V. Allen.
FAQ
What occurred during the Lancaster County Circuit Court on September 26?
The Lancaster County Circuit Court convened with decisions made on multiple cases, including bond appeals and trials scheduled for future dates.
Who had their appeal denied in Lancaster County Circuit Court?
Toni L. Rash of Gloucester had her appeal for a General District Court bond decision denied.
What are some of the upcoming trial dates in Lancaster County?
Trials for Sean M. Williams and Trevon L. Henderson are scheduled for November 14, while Calvin F. Taylor III’s status hearing is set for October 24.
What was the outcome of Edward F. Moriarity’s case?
Edward F. Moriarity was found guilty of a misdemeanor DWI (first offense) and received a 90-day suspended sentence, a fine, and a driver’s license suspension.
Key Features Chart
| Defendant | Charges | Outcome/Sentence | Trial/Hearing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toni L. Rash | Bond appeal | Denied | N/A |
| Sean M. Williams | Felony eluding, misdemeanors driving suspended and reckless driving | N/A | November 14 |
| Richard A. Rose | Obtaining drugs by fraud | Charge dismissed | N/A |
| Edward F. Moriarity | Misdemeanor DWI | 90-day suspended sentence, fined $250 | N/A |
| James A. Brown IV | Distributing/selling Schedule I/II drugs | 10 years with 8 years 8 months suspended, 10 years probation | N/A |
| Trevon L. Henderson | Felony strangling, misdemeanors stalking and assault | N/A | November 14 |
| Calvin F. Taylor III | Felony drug sales and manufacturing | N/A | October 24 |
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Additional Resources
- Lancaster County Circuit Court Report – 249
- Wikipedia: Lancaster County, Virginia
- Northumberland County Circuit Court Report – 244
- Google Search: Lancaster County Circuit Court news
- Lancaster County Circuit Court Report – 248
- Google Scholar: Lancaster County Circuit Court
- Lancaster County Circuit Court Report – 247
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lancaster County
- Northumberland County Circuit Court Report – 243
- Google News: Northumberland County Circuit Court
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