The following hearings were recently held in Pocahontas County Circuit Court before the Honorable Judges Robert E. Richardson and Jennifer P. Dent:
David Mace, 37, of Marlinton, appeared by video from the Tygart Valley Regional Jail for a status hearing, wherein the court granted a defense motion for a continuance in the matter. Mace was indicted on three counts, strangulation; and two counts, wanton endangerment involving a firearm.
Kevin Ray Curry, 35, an inmate at Mt. Olive Correctional Center, appearing by video, pleaded guilty to Count III of his indictment, the felony offense of grand larceny. The court granted the state’s motion to dismiss Counts I and II. Curry waived his right to a presentence investigation and asked to be sentenced that day. The court sentenced him to not less than one year nor more than 10 years in the state penitentiary with credit for time served since February 21, 2023. Costs were assessed as judgment. Any restitution will be assessed at a later date.
A change of plea is set for September 28 in the case the State vs Angela Turner. Turner is being referred to the Drug Court Program and agreed to plead according to the State’s agreement with regard to two cases against her. Turner was indicted by the December 2022 Grand Jury on one count, driving while license revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol, third offense; and by the August 2023 Grand Jury on two counts, driving revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol. At her August 10 arraignment hearing, Turner pleaded not guilty to the latest charges and remains on previous $6,500 bond.
Motions hearing was held in the case the State vs Ross George Benedict, 36, of Marlinton, wherein the court granted the defendant’s motion requesting Grand Jury transcript. The motion for access to Mr. Benedict’s Family Court file is withdrawn. Defendant’s motion to suppress DNA evidence will be heard at the next hearing. Benedict was indicted by the August 2022 Grand Jury on one count, burglary; and one count, destruction of property.
Erick Romanello, 43, of Marlinton, waived his right to an evidentiary hearing and admitted to violating his diversion agreement by drinking. He was sanctioned to 60 days on home confinement and is required to attend Day Report with substance abuse counseling.
