The following hearings were recently held in Pocahontas County Circuit Court before the Honorable Judges Robert E. Richardson and Jennifer P. Dent:
John Stull, 34, of Bartow, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm, a misdemeanor; and negligent shooting, a misdemeanor. The Court will hold adjudication of the pleas to allow time to add additional information to the pre-sentence investigation report. The court ordered a substance abuse evaluation of Stull. The matter is set for a plea/sentencing hearing September 19.
A hearing on motion to revoke bond was held in the case the State vs Hunter Gabriel Grimes, 30, of Lewisburg, wherein the defendant admitted to allegations in the motion. The State agreed to modify Grimes’ bond to allow him to participate in and complete the rehab program in which he is enrolled. Grimes was charged with burglary and entry of a dwelling or outbuilding.
A hearing on motion to revoke home incarceration was held August 2 in the case the State vs Steven K. Bennett, 49, of Green Bank, wherein the defendant waived his right to a preliminary hearing and will remain on home confinement. Final hearing is set for August 23. Bennett pleaded guilty November 1, 2023 to the lesser included misdemeanor offense of driving while license revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was sentenced to one year in the regional jail but was allowed to spend the sentence on home confinement. On February 28, 2024, a hearing was held to revoke alternative sentence, and the defendant was sanctioned to seven days, then returned to home confinement.
A final hearing on motion to revoke bond was held in the case the State vs Taylor Cook, 37, of Marlinton, wherein the court questioned the defendant as to his competency, and continued the hearing due to the defendant relating that his grandmother is very ill and he doesn’t know if she has passed away. The hearing is continued to August 23.
In-person sentencing was held in the case the State vs Skylar Tincher, 25, of Buckeye, wherein defense counsel asked for alternative sentencing of home confinement. The State asked for incarceration as the crime is serious. The victim in this matter spoke at the hearing of the domestic violence and abuse. The court denied the request for alternative sentencing. Tincher was sentenced to the state peni- tentiary for a determinate sentence of five years. He was given 135 days’ credit for time served. Tincher is to have no contact with the victim, physical or verbal, direct or indirect. Restitution hearing is set for September 25. The defendant was remanded to custody.
In person sentencing was held in the case the State vs Wendell Johnson, 56, of Cass, wherein defense counsel asked for probation. The court denied the request due to the defendant’s prior criminal history. Johnson was sentenced to nine months and will be allowed to discharge his sentence on home incarceration with the special term that he submit to a substance abuse evaluation. Johnson was indicted on one count, wanton endangerment involving a firearm; and one count, obstructing an officer.
Joseph Lynn Thompson, 33, of Marlinton appeared by video from a rehab program and waived his right to a speedy trial in this term of court. Thompson is in a long-term rehab program, and the court will have a status review September 26.
Angela Turner, 50, of Marlinton, has completed several certificates as well as the G.O.A.L.S. program. The court modified her sentence and placed her on probation for one year.
Roy Oscar, Jr., 44, of Marlinton, waived his right to a speedy trial during this term of court. A jury trial is set for October 10. Oscar was indicted on one count, strangulation; and one count, domestic battery.