The following hearings were recently held in Pocahontas County Circuit Court before the Honorable Judges Robert E. Richardson and Jennifer P. Dent:
A pre-trial conference was held in the case the State vs Jerry Schoolcraft, 61, of Renick, wherein the court denied a defense motion to exclude testimony concerning the alleged contents of a non-exist video, and denied a defense motion to remove home confinement as a condition of bond for the defendant. Several motions have recently been filed and some after the deadline. The court granted the State’s motion for a continuance of trial to allow time to respond. The trial was originally scheduled to begin March 4. A motions hearing is set for April 10. Schoolcraft was indicted on four counts, sexual assault in the second degree.
Stephanie Eads Sharp, 38, of Hillsboro, tendered a written plea agreement to the court wherein she pleaded guilty by Kennedy vs Frazier to the felony offense of grand larceny and the felony offense of conspiracy. The court accepted the plea but deferred adjudication until Sharp successfully completes or is otherwise discharged from the South- eastern Regional Drug Court Program. The State moved to dismiss the charge of child neglect creating risk of serious bodily injury.
Michael Beverage Jr., 37, of Marlinton, appeared by video from the Tygart Valley Regional Jail for his arraignment hearing wherein he pleaded not guilty to one count, child neglect creating risk of serious bodily injury, a felony. Beverage is incarcerated due to a capias being issued at the last hearing date. Bond was reinstated to previous surety bond of $20,000, and modified to add that the defendant is to participate in the home confinement program with Day Report supervision and is to have no contact with the alleged victims. Beverage is to attend substance abuse services and is prohibited from possessing any controlled substances or alcohol, and will be screened for the same.
Steven K. Bennett, 40, of Green Bank, admitted to violating the terms of his alternate sentencing. He was sanctioned to seven days in the TVRJ and will be placed back on home confinement when released. Bennett pleaded guilty in November 2023 to the lesser included misdemeanor offense of driving while license revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol, second offense. He was sentenced to one year in the regional jail but is allowed to spend his sentence on monitored home confinement.
A pre-trial status hearing was held in the case the State vs Zane Hickson, 69, of Cass, wherein the State asked that another hearing be set. Hickson waived his right to a speedy trial in this term of court. He was indicted on one count intimidation of and against public officers and employees, a felony; one count, use or presentation of a firearm during the commission of a felony, a felony; one count, obstructing an officer, a misdemeanor.
A pre-trial status hearing was held in the case the State vs Ayden Carroll, 20, of Cass, wherein both parties asked to continue the matter to a later status hearing. Carroll waived his right to a speedy trial in this term of court. He was indicted on four counts, sexual assault in the third degree, a felony; two counts, sexual abuse, third degree, a misdemeanor.
Brian Mason, 35, of Hillsboro, was adjudged guilty of the felony offense of entry of a building other than a dwelling. He was sentenced to an indeterminate period of one to 10 years in the custody of the West Virginia Department of Corrections. Mason is to participate in the RSAT program. He was remanded to custody.
Charles Irvine, 50, of Marlinton, appeared by video from the TVRJ for a hearing on motion to revoke alternative sentencing. The court found probable cause that Irvine had violated the terms and conditions of his home confinement. An evidentiary hearing is set for March 6.