BY STEFANIE JACKSON BOWMANN, Eastern Shore Post
A local pastor who was charged with driving while intoxicated was found guilty and sentenced in Northampton General District Court on Wednesday, Sept. 4.
Kelvin F. Jones, 60, of Nassawadox, was arrested on May 11 by Virginia State Trooper G.L. Gallimore, who reported that he stopped Jones on Birdsnest Drive after observing his vehicle repeatedly swerving and running off the road.
During the stop, the state trooper detected an odor of alcohol and conducted a field sobriety test, which Jones failed.
Jones stated that he was swerving because he was texting and driving, and he refused an alcohol breath test, according to Gallimore’s report.
He was later released from jail on $1,000 unsecured bond.
Jones was charged with driving while intoxicated, a class 1 misdemeanor, and handling a cellphone while driving and refusing a breath test.
In court on Wednesday, Virginia Beach Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Robin Bland stood in for Northampton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Jack Thornton, who had recused himself due to his personal knowledge of Jones, Northampton County Sheriff’s Office chaplain and community relations coordinator.
Jones, who also has been the pastor of Capeville Baptist Church for more than 30 years, was represented by Accomac attorney Thomas Northam.
The prosecutor informed Judge Gordon Vincent that Jones pleaded guilty to the DWI charge, and the charges of handling a cellphone while driving and refusing a breath test would not be prosecuted.
Bland recommended that the defendant be charged a $500 fine, with $250 suspended.
Vincent noted that was “different” from the standard fine issued in Accomack and Northampton counties for driving while intoxicated, and he was not inclined to accept the recommendation.
The judge imposed a fine of $1,250, with $500 suspended on the condition that Jones enroll in and complete the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program. Jones also must pay court costs of $216.
He was sentenced to 365 days in jail, with all time suspended. Jones must remain on good behavior and not be convicted of any additional driving violations, such as driving under the influence or driving without a license.
His driver’s license was suspended for one year, but Jones was granted restricted driving privileges, meaning he may drive to and from certain places, such as work and church, and for medically necessary travel.
During the one-year period, he may not drive a vehicle without an ignition interlock system.
Jones also must perform 24 hours of community service by Dec. 31.
