The following hearings were recently held in Pocahontas County Circuit Court before the Honorable Judges Robert E. Richardson and Jennifer P. Dent:
A motions hearing was held in the case the State vs Ross Benedict, 37, of Marlinton, wherein five defense exhibits were admitted into evidence. Defense council then brought forth a motion that the State was unaware of – a motion to suppress DNA evidence. The court will take the motion as to admissibility under advisement and rule. Defense counsel then brought forth a motion to dismiss. The State objects and the court denied the motion. Benedict waived his right to a speedy trial and the matter is moved to the next term of court. Benedict was indicted by the August 2022 Grand Jury on one count, burglary; and one count, destruction of property.
A change of plea hearing was held in the case the State vs Angela Turner, 49, of Marlinton, wherein defense counsel asked for a continuance due to the defendant negotiating a plea agreement different from the one that she agreed to plead to at the August 10 hearing. The matter is continued to October 12. 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.
In person sentencing was held September 14 in the case the State vs Casey Elizabeth Crabtree, 27, of Hillsboro, wherein a discussion was held on the matter of monthly restitution payments. As to each count of forgery, Crabtree was sentenced to the state penitentiary for an indeterminate sentence of not less than one year nor more than 10 years. Sentences to run consecutively. The sentences were suspended and the defendant was placed on probation for five years with terms and conditions outlined through probation. Monthly payment of restitution was reduced to $300 to be paid during the probation period. At a March 22 hearing, Crabtree tendered a written plea agreement to the court wherein she pleaded guilty to the felony offenses in Count I and Count III of the indictment, forgery; and guilty to the felony offenses in Count II and Count IV of the indictment, uttering. The state agreed to dismiss Counts V through XIII, six forgery and four uttering. The agreement related that Crabtree was to pay restitution in the amount of $5,494.77 to the victim in 12 installments of $457.90 per month beginning the month of the entry of the guilty plea order. Counts V through XIII were dismissed with prejudice. Sentencing and disposition was originally set for May 4. She was indicted by the August 2022 Grand Jury.
