According to Pocahontas County Circuit Clerk Connie Carr, the following cases were heard August 1 before the Honorable Judge Robert E. Richardson:
An arraignment hearing was held in the case the State vs Nelson Cortes, 43, address unknown, wherein the court reduced bond to $1,000 with surety, and with the conditions that Cortes has a residency here and will have GPS monitoring. Cortes was apprehended on a fugitive from justice warrant from the State of Georgia. Cortes refused to waive extradition. A pretrial status conference is set for September 26. He was remanded to custody.
David Wayne Sharp, 56, of Marlinton, was declared competent to stand trial. He waived his right to a speedy trial, and a status conference is set for September 26.
Shawn M. Waugh, 30, of Elkins, waived his right to a speedy trial. Defense counsel advised the court that health issues have hindered Waugh’s referral to the Drug Court program.
A sentencing and disposition hearing was held in the case the State vs Carolyn S. Wilfong, 54, of Dunmore, wherein defense counsel asked for alternate sentencing of home confinement. Wilfong was sentenced to the state penitentiary for not less than one year nor more than three years, but will be allowed to discharge her sentence on monitored home confinement. Costs were assessed, and the defendant is required to pay $11,608.50 restitution to the Highland Community Bank. Court costs and restitution must be paid within three years.
A pre-trial status conference was held in the case the State vs Amy Nicole Armstrong, 22, of Hillsboro. Armstrong was found guilty in magistrate court on a charge of battery. She appealed the verdict to Circuit Court. The matter is set for a non-jury trial September 14. Armstrong remains on previously posted bond.
Roy L. Walker, 52, of Monterey, pleaded guilty to petit larceny, a lesser included offense contained in his indictment. The matter was referred to the probation department for presentence investigation. Walker remains on current bond.
The following cases were heard August 2 before the Honorable Judge Jennifer P. Dent:
A change of plea hearing was held in the case the State vs Justin A. Conley, 18, of Renick, wherein the state and defense agreed that the matter was not ready for a plea. Conley waived his right to a speedy trial. He remains on current bond.
The state asked for a further hearing in its case against Ricky Schoolcraft, 35, of Hillsboro, as it is gathering new evidence. The defendant waived his right to a speedy trial, and a status/motions hearing is set for September 19.
A status conference/ change of plea hearing was held in the case the State vs Kiana Woodhouse, 20, of Marlinton, wherein defense counsel advised the court that her client did not want to enter a plea of guilty. Woodhouse waived her right to a speedy trial. A two-day jury trial is set to begin November 15.
The court approved defense motions for a continuance and disclosure of the state’s witness list in the case the State vs Cody Brouwer, 23, of Marlinton. Pretrial is set for September 19.
Roslynn Nichole McCarty, 20, of Marlinton, waived her right to the August 2 evidentiary hearing and agreed to the stipulations of bond, Day Report and treatment with Seneca Health. McCarty was to report for drug testing within 24 hours.
