NEWS BRIEFS
Powhite toll cameras are watching

It's now harder to drive through the toll booths along the Powhite Parkway in Chesterfield without paying. After months of testing, security cameras at the booths are now operational and are taking photographs of toll violators.

Toll cheaters can expect to receive a notice in the mail detailing the date of their violation and a photo of the license plate taken at the time of the violation. Violators will have to pay the toll and a $25 administrative fee.

There are appeals procedures to follow for cases of mistaken identity, sold or stolen cars and leased or rental vehicles. To ensure the privacy of motorists, photos and records related to violations will be purged within 30 days of being paid and reconciled.

Because of this new enforcement measure, Smart Tag users will be able to move more quickly through the tolls. Toll booth gates will no longer be needed in electronic toll lanes except where necessary for safety reasons.

Chesterfield attorney suspended

Chesterfield attorney Meek Daniel Clark has been suspended by the Virginia State Bar after being convicted on a felony charge of taking indecent liberties with a minor. The Virginia State Bar is expected to decide on Feb. 23 if Clark's license to practice law should be permanently suspended or revoked.

Teen charged with murder

Alvin Orlando Townes, 19, of the 9300 block of Shiloh Drive, has been charged with murder, breaking and entering, and two felony firearm counts.

Townes allegedly conspired with two other teenagers, Cavell D. West and Rockney Molinar, to commit a home invasion at the Telstar Drive residence of Gary W. Wooten Jr. in December 2005. West, 19, shot Wooten in the head when he resisted the attack.

West was previously sentenced to 38 years in prison for the killing. Molinar, 17, will serve up to 33 years.

Although Townes did not enter Wooten's home, Chesterfield police say he played a vital part in planning the crimes.

Haley Pontiac embezzlement

A former executive assistant for Haley Pontiac GMC in Chesterfield has been charged with six counts of felony embezzlement. Stephanie D. Swepston, 35, allegedly took at least $500,000 from the dealership beginning in September 2005. Police continue to investigate the matter.

Police seek suspect in robberies

Police are searching for a man in connection with three similar robberies that occurred at stores along the Midlothian Turnpike corridor between Jan. 21-29.

In each incident, the male suspect entered the business, displayed a gun, ordered employees to the floor, and then demanded money. No one has been injured during these incidents. The robberies have occurred at the following locations: Jan. 21 at Cato, 271 Wadsworth Drive, at 4:45 p.m.; Jan. 26 at Subway, 1221 Carmia Way, at 7:50 p.m.; and Jan. 29 at Payless ShoeSource, 12221 Chattanooga Plaza, at 8 p.m.

The suspect is described as a black male, 28-35 years old weighing 180-200 pounds. He wore a navy blue or black baseball hat, and a navy blue or black puffy jacket.

If you have information about these crimes, please contact the Chesterfield County Police Department at 748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 748-0660.

County named best community for youth

America's Promise - The Alliance for Youth has identified Chesterfield County as one of the "100 Best Communities for Young People." In partnership with Capital One, the competition honors communities - ranging from small towns to urban neighborhoods across America - for their commitment to provide healthy, safe and caring environments for young people.

Chesterfield was also named to the list in 2005. A complete list of winners can be found at www.americaspromise.org.

Icy wreck kills Chesterfield man

A Chesterfield man was killed last month when his sport utility vehicle skidded off an icy bridge in New Kent County and crashed into a tree. State police said Benjamin Carver Gonzalez, 42, of the 4400 block of Rabbit Foot Place, was driving west on Interstate 64 shortly after 10 a.m. when he wrecked a mile east of state Route 33.

Gonzalez died several hours later at a hospital in Newport News.