Onancock man convicted of two violent felonies in Accomack Circuit Court

By Linda Cicoira

A 32-year-old Onancock man was convicted of abduction and other 2022 crimes Thursday in Accomack Circuit Court and could face life in prison.

Norris Ray Beasley, of Cashville Road, denied the crimes, which also included attempted forcible sodomy and misdemeanor assault and battery. He entered Alford pleas to the charges, which means he admitted that Commonwealth’s Attorney Spencer Morgan had ample evidence to convict him.

The prosecutor agreed not to pursue probation violations in exchange for the pleas. There was no agreement regarding sentencing, which was set for Jan. 30.

Judge Lynwood W. Lewis Jr. ordered a short-form presentence report and a psychosexual evaluation.

Defense lawyer Patrick Bales asked that his client be allowed to attend the funeral of his recently deceased grandfather. Lewis did not object. Such requests are up to the sheriff.

Morgan said the defendant knew the victim through a church program. He was alone with her and “demanded” she perform oral sex. He grabbed her and wrestled her to a couch while she yelled for him to stop. He stuffed some sort of material in her mouth to quiet her. She managed to get away from him. Morgan said Beasley bolted the door to keep her from leaving. The victim got to a porch. That exit was also blocked. Beasley then attempted to coax her back inside. He eventually left.

     The prosecutor said twice she received texts asking her not to do anything about the incident. She also received a letter from the defendant’s former girlfriend asking her to forgive him. In addition, Morgan said there was DNA evidence against him.