🌱 Former Official Facing Jail Time + Safety Program Coming Downtown

Hey, neighbors! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Norfolk Patch newsletter. Come along to find out everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town, including updates on...

• Former government official sentenced to time in prison after accepting bribes
• New program test running to making Downtown Norfolk safer for all
• Gary Morton set for trial with grand jury for killing ex-girlfriend

But first, the weather:

Mar. 3: Some rain and a thunderstorm. High: 62 Low: 57.

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Here are the top four stories in Norfolk:

1. Former government official Charles Jones was sentenced to 30 months in prison after admitting he accepted bribes for renovation contracts in buildings around the state including in Norfolk. Jones was sentenced this past Wednesday in Norfolk federal court as he pleaded guilty to accepting bribes for contracts to government contractors back in June. The previous crimes were committed from December 2015 to August 2019, back when Jones held his position as a Supervisory Construction Control Representative in Richmond. (WAVY.com)
2. Efforts are currently being made to make Downtown Norfolk safer for those going out, as well as those workers who are making a living in the area late at night. The Downtown Norfolk Council is leading the charge for a new initiative focused on making an extra effort to reduce crime and violence downtown after hours. DNC's program will be test-run by three local businesses (Baxter's Sports Bar, Legacy, and Brothers) and will include more training sessions from Safe Night LLC. (News 3 WTKR Norfolk)
3. Norfolk Fire-Rescue crews responded to an apartment building fire on East Liberty Street Wednesday afternoon. The fire reportedly started in a kitchen on the second floor shortly after 4:45 p.m. Although crews were able to get the flame under control within 10 minutes and keep it within the single apartment, an unknown number of residents will be temporarily displaced. The incident is still under investigation. (13newsnow.com WVEC)
4. Gary Morton was indicted by a Grand Jury Wednesday for the killing of 40-year-old Marie Covington. Covington's daughter said in the Virginia courtroom that Morton and Covington were dating at the time and she heard the two arguing in her home on Aug. 17. The argument reportedly ended with the former couple getting in Covington's car, Morton striking her, and speeding off before she could flee the car. Morton allegedly shot Covington in the head and eventually dumped her body in a trash can in Norfolk. The trial is set to begin on Mar. 28 in Norfolk. (13newsnow.com WVEC)

Coming up in Norfolk:

Friday, March 3

• Writers Coffee Break At The Muse Writers Center (10:00 AM)
• "La Traviata" At Harrison Opera House (8:00 PM)

Saturday, March 4

• Norfolk Area OHF Military Family Mental Health Town Hall At Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library (10:30 AM)
• "La Traviata" At Harrison Opera House (7:30 PM)

Sunday, March 5

• "La Traviata" At Harrison Opera House (2:30 PM)
• Art Rowe - Live And Unplugged At Sunset Grill (5:00 PM)

Monday, March 6

• True Body At Chicho's Backstage (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join Norfolk, VA Beach Junior League this month as they celebrate Women's History Month and honor the thousands of women who have paved the way for the league as well as history. Don't forget Mar. 8 is International Women's Day — learn more about it here! (Norfolk-VA Beach Junior League via Instagram)
• Mar. 2 was Read Across America Day and the Norfolk Police Department made a stop at elementary schools throughout the area with their favorite books to celebrate. The department thanked the Norfolk public schools that welcomed the department into their classrooms. (Norfolk Police Department via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Free Zoom meeting about professionals of Chesapeake roofing (March 15)

You're all caught up! See you soon for another update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.