Providence Forge man to spend up to 18 months in jail on assault, destruction of property convictions

A Providence Forge man will spend up to 18 months in jail after agreeing to terms of a plea deal during Monday afternoon proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

Alan James Jennings, 50, of the 6300 block of Mihalcoe Lane, entered guilty pleas to an amended charge of misdemeanor destruction of property (originally strangulation), a second amended charge of misdemeanor destruction of property (originally misdemeanor assault and battery of a family member), and one count of misdemeanor assault and batter of a family member.

In a summary of evidence by New Kent Commonwealth Attorney Scott Renick, on Dec. 5, 2021, a New Kent deputy responded to a call for service involving two family members. When the deputy arrived to the location, he found the victim with red marks on their body. The victim was question about the incident, commenting that Jennings assaulted them after an argument. The deputy continued the investigation, discovering several items of the residence destroyed. When Jennings was located, he was questioned about the incident and arrested.

Under the plea agreement, Jennings received 12-month sentences with six months suspended on each of the three charges (a total of 18 months to serve). Jennings sentenced may be reduced if a bed-to-bed transfer to the Pyramid Healthcare Incorporated program is available to him. If he successfully completes that program after a bed-to-bed transfer, the remaining time may be suspended following a motion from defense counsel.

In an unrelated matter, two charges of distribution of a Schedule I/II substance lodged at Jerald Lee Liggins Jr., 34, of 25 N. Juniper Avenue, Henrico, were dropped due to lack of evidence.