Man admits to violent crimes

By Linda Cicoira

A 40-year-old Parksley man pleaded guilty Thursday in Accomack Circuit Court to the abduction, strangulation, and rape of a local woman in November of 2022, and an attempt to escape from the local jail several months later in 2023.

Lance Carl Jester, of Woodland Avenue, made his pleas in a bargaining agreement with Commonwealth Attorney Spencer Morgan and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Baker. The deal involved dropping a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery and agreeing to a sentence of 13 active years in prison.

The defendant was escorted into the courtroom wearing a white jail jumpsuit. His handcuffs and ankle restraints were attached to chains. He did not stand during the proceeding.

Sentencing was deferred until Dec. 12 so guidelines could be determined and a victim impact statement could be made. The maximum term for the crimes was life in prison plus a fine of $102,500.

According to a summary of the case, Jester lured the woman to his home to discuss a job. The victim’s name is not being disclosed due to the nature of the crimes.

While being held at Accomack Jail, Jester and another man attempted to climb a fence to escape in the facility’s recreation yard. Jester failed to get away because razor wire injured him.