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vestigating drug trafficking in Rappahannock and a number of other counties. A Warrenton dentist, Dr. Denis A. Peper, was indicted by that grand jury last month on two felony charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Dr. Peper stated that he is innocent of both charges. No date has been set for his trial.
Mr. Luke refused to comment on whether the grand jury investigation and the Nicholson case are related in any way.
Henrico County Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney John R. Alderman, who is serving as special counsel to the grand jury, said that more than 100 indictments have been handed down by the grand jury since it began its investigation last September.
Judge Robertson also ordered that imposition of the jail sentence be delayed until the conclusion of Nicholson’s cooperation, or from six months after sentencing, whichever comes first. At that time, “the Commonwealth may make further consideration” of the jail sentence.
Mr. Luke said he felt the agreement was “lenient. . . considering the seriousness of the offense.” He told Judge Robertson that he recommended its acceptance only because of the stipulation of Nicholson's cooperation.
Nicholson’s lawyer, Christopher Hopkins, told Judge Robertson that “as in many agreements, neither side gets what it wants. Although Mr. Luke describes it as lenient,’ Ron Nicholson would prefer he were somewhere else today.” He added that Nicholson has not used drugs since his arrest, and that the presentence report speaks of his good background. “It’s quite obvious he has fallen far.”
After Nicholson said that he had no statement to make, Judge Robertson commented on this “very difficult and tragic day in your life.
“I wish,” Judge Robertson added, “that you could sit here over the years and see the lives of people such as yourself and the lives of young people which have been completely destroyed by substance abuse ... I hope that this tragic ext perience will aid you in rehabilitating you.”
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