The following hearings were recently held in Pocahontas County Circuit Court before the Honorable Judge Robert E. Richardson and Jennifer P. Dent:
A status hearing was held in the case the State vs Joshua Ray VanReenen, 36, of Hillsboro, wherein defense counsel advised the court that discussions are ongoing, and they believe the matter will soon be resolved by a plea agreement. VanReenen was indicted on one count, malicious assault; one count, wanton endangerment involving a firearm; and one count, use or presentation of a firearm during the commission of a felony.
An in-person hearing was held in the case the State vs Steven K. Bennett, 48, of Green Bank, wherein defense counsel advised the court that she had confirmed that day, with the Department of Motor Vehicles, that Bennett never had a driver’s license. The State noted that the matter has not been reviewed at this point and asked that it be continued. Bennett had previously tendered a written plea agreement to the court wherein he pleaded guilty to the lesser included misdemeanor offense of driving while license revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol, second offense. In the process of the court proceeding with normal plea inquiries, the defendant related that he has never had a driver’s license.
Shawn Barb, 34, of Marlinton, appeared by video from the Southwestern Regional Jail for a status hearing. Defense counsel asked for a further status hearing to allow him time to discuss the matter with the defendant. That hearing is set for October 5. Barb was indicted by the December 2022 Grand Jury on one count grand larceny; two counts, receiving or transferring stolen property; one count, obtaining property by false pretenses; one count, receiving or transferring stolen property; one count, petit larceny; and one count, destruction of property.
In arraignment hearings:
Shawn Barb, 34, of Marlinton, appearing by video from the Southwestern Regional Jail, pleaded not guilty to all counts in his indictment. The August 2023 Grand Jury indicted Barb on one count, entry of a building other than a dwelling, a felony. He remains on previously set bond.
Greg Charles Sharp, 38, of Cass, pleaded not guilty to one count, attempted sexual abuse, first degree, a felony. Within seven days following his arraignment, the State shall file mandatory discovery. Within 14 days of the hearing, the defendant will notify the court if additional discovery is needed. If so, the State shall provide additional discovery to the defendant within 14 days thereafter. Within 40 days of the arraignment, counsel shall file a mandatory joint status report. The issue of bond will be discussed between counsel and defendant. Sharp was to be processed on charges in the indictment at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
Virginia Hall, 41, of Hillsboro, pleaded not guilty to one count, grand larceny, a felony. She remains on $5,000 surety bond with bondsman.
Brian Michael Mason, 35, of Hillsboro, pleaded not guilty to one count, entry of a building other than a dwelling, a felony; one count, grand larceny, a felony; one count, conspiracy, a felony; one count, child neglect creating risk of serious bodily injury, a felony. Mason remains on present bond with the added condition that he attend a substance abuse program, and is to enroll in said program within 10 days. He will be allowed to travel outside the county to attend a program.
Stephanie Michelle Eads Sharp, 38, of Hillsboro, pleaded not guilty to one count, grand larceny, a felony; one count, conspiracy, a felony; one count, child neglect creating risk of serious bodily injury, a felony. She remains on previously posted $6,000 surety bond.
