The following hearings were recently held in Pocahontas County Circuit Court before the Honorable Judge Patrick I. Via:
Roger A. Watson, Jr., 34, of Marlinton, appeared for his arraignment wherein he pleaded not guilty to one count, burglary, a felony; one count, petit larceny, a misdemeanor. He will remain on current bond and was to immediately report to Day Report for a drug and alcohol screen.
Defense counsel for Michael Lee Lewis, 56, of Hillsboro, related to the court that the defendant has a progressive medical problem and cannot assist in his defense. The court granted a motion by the defense for a competency evaluation and to continue the matter to the next term of court. Lewis was indicted on one count, person prohibited from possessing a firearm.
A status hearing was held in the case the State vs Matthew Anderson, 29, of Marlinton, wherein defense counsel advised that new discovery had been received, and plea negotiations are in the works. Defense asked for a 30-day continuance, which the court granted. Defense then asked for heavily monitored modified bond for the defendant. The state objected due to the defendant violating bond in another matter. The court found that Anderson had violated the terms and condition of his bond, and it was not reinstated. Anderson was indicted on one count driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol and/or a controlled substance, and such was the cause of a crash which led to the death of Josey W. Armstrong; and one count negligent homicide.
Jason F. Brickles, 47, of Valley Head, waived his right to a speedy trial in this term of court. A four-day jury trial is now set for January 20, 2026. Brickles was indicted on one count, murder in the first degree, a felony; one count, use or presentment of a firearm during commission of a felony, a felony; four counts, wanton endangerment with a firearm a felony; one count, person prohibited from possessing a firearm, a misdemeanor; two counts, destruction of property.
The court granted a defense motion for a 30-day continuance in the case the State vs Jonathan Bennett, 36, of Marlinton, as new discovery has been received and plea negotiations are in the works. Bennett was indicted on one count, driving a vehicle while impaired by alcohol and/or a controlled substance, and such was the cause of a crash which led to the death of Josey W. Armstrong; one count, negligent homicide; and one count, operating a vehicle while license was suspended by the Magistrate Court for failure to appear for a hearing.
A hearing for modification of bond was held in the case the State vs David Bradley Moyers, 43, of Durbin, wherein defense counsel advised the court that no bond had been set for his client. The court granted the defense motion that bond be set at $5,000 personal recognizance with the condition that the defendant complete substance treatment at Harmon Ridge. Upon completion of that treatment, Moyers will be released to bond. Moyers was indicted on two counts, driving while license revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol, third or subsequent offense; one count, assault; one count, destruction of property; one count, brandishing a deadly weapon.
