A flowering marijuana plant at the gLeaf medical marijuana facility. (Photo: Alex Scribner/VPM News)
When Virginia Democrats moved to decriminalize marijuana last year, lawmakers pitched the move as a first step at addressing long-standing racial disparities in drug arrests.
But a new VPM analysis of court records since the policy went into effect shows Black individuals in Virginia are still nearly four times more likely than white people to face summons over marijuana possession despite similar usage rates.
Around 50% of people logged for marijuana possession offenses that occured in Virginia from July 1, 2020 through Jan. 11, 2021 were African Americans. Roughly 20% of the state’s population is Black.
Deputies investigating fatal two-vehicle crash in Hanover
WTVR
Posted at 11:28 AM, Jan 31, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-31 11:28:07-05
HANOVER COUNTY, Va. The Hanover County Sheriff s office is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that happened Saturday night. Deputies responded to the the 5200 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike for a two vehicle crash around 11:00 p.m Saturday night. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2009 Acura sedan was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Mechanicsville Turnpike when it collided head-on into a 2008 Nissan sport utility vehicle, a Hanover Sheriff s office spokesperson wrote in an email.
The driver of the Acura, Jane Vaughan, 27, of Mechanicsville, dies at the scene, according to police.
Former Virginia music teacher, church leader loses appeal in child sex case
By: The Associated Press , WTVR CBS 6 Web Staff
Posted at 5:46 PM, Jan 16, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-16 17:59:59-05
HANOVER COUNTY, Va. A Virginia court has rejected the appeal of a former school music teacher who is serving a 7-year prison sentence for child solicitation.
The court ruled Jan. 12 that a trial judge did not err in denying a motion by Ryan Thomas Pick of Woodbridge to suppress the contents of a sexually explicit online communication with an undercover investigator.
The court also rejected Pickâs claim that he was subjected to custodial interrogation without being advised of his Miranda rights and said there was sufficient evidence to support his conviction.
New Hanover County K-9 assists in meth bust William Jamison Hurt and Brittany Corbett (Source: NHCSO) By WECT Staff | January 13, 2021 at 2:31 PM EST - Updated January 13 at 2:31 PM
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - A K-9 helped the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office make a drug bust earlier this month.
According to officials, William Jamison Hurt and Brittany Corbett have been charged with multiple drug charges after a traffic stop on Jan. 2.
“Deputies with the K-9 Unit conducted a traffic stop in the area of 2nd & Greenfield Streets involving a vehicle Hurt is known to drive,” the sheriff’s office stated in a news release. “During the vehicle stop, Detectives identified Hurt as the driver and Brittany Corbett as the front seat passenger. K-9 Deputy Hook with K-9 Oscar indicated a positive alert for narcotics.”
Deputies: 2 teens charged after shooting at vehicles with BB gun Police lights file graphic. (Source: Gray News) By NBC12 Newsroom | December 31, 2020 at 4:35 PM EST - Updated December 31 at 4:35 PM
HANOVER CO., Va. (WWBT) - The Hanover County Sheriffâs Office said two teenagers have been charged after they shot at vehicles with a BB gun.
Deputies were called to the 14700 block of Mountain Road on Wednesday shortly before 10 p.m.
âThe victims reported that while they were traveling westbound on Mountain Road their vehicles were struck by what they believed to be bullets,â a release said.
Mountain Road was temporarily closed between Farrington Road and Scotchtown Road for safety, deputies said.