By Stephen H. Cowles/Contributing writer
stephen.cowles@tidewaternews.com

COURTLAND—A Franklin woman will spend four years in prison for violating parole after serving time on drug charges.

Judge E. Preston Grissom handed down the sentence on Tuesday in Southampton County Circuit Court.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Cooke said Brandy Foster “has had all the opportunities,” pointing out that she had not reported as ordered, showed “no signs of reform or remorse” and that “months of incarceration have been a waste of time.”

Further, Cooke said Foster’s request to be put into a Friends of Guest House program in Alexandria is just another attempt to avoid incarceration. He blamed a failed pregnancy on her past substance abuse.

Public Defense Attorney Jennifer Walsh acknowledged her client’s addiction and added that drug programs especially for women are hard to find. An intensive treatment plan is needed.

Foster admitted to her addiction, but claimed that the pregnancy loss was a separate physical issue not due to drugs.

“I’m paying for my choices,” she said. “I did what I did.”

Foster was originally sentenced to three counts of selling and distributing cocaine, one for possession and another for uttering.