According to Pocahontas County Circuit Clerk Connie Carr, the following cases were heard June 14 before the Honorable Judge Jennifer P. Dent:
In the case the State vs Jason Thomas Lane, 44, of Marlinton, the court granted a defense motion to suppress all evidence obtained as a result of unlawful search and seizure.
The Honorable Judge Robert E. Richardson heard the following cases June 21:
In the case the State vs Jerry Wayne Curry, 56, of Marlinton, the defendant waived his right to a speedy trial to allow more time for negotiations with the state. Curry was indicted on one count, driving under the influence, third offense.
A pre-trial status hearing was held in the case the State vs Lynn David Jordan, Jr., 29, of Marlinton, wherein defense counsel asked the court to suppress the search warrant. The court will take up the matter August 9. Jordan waived his right to a speedy trial. Jordan was indicted on one count, manufacture of a Schedule I controlled substance.
In the case the State vs David Edward Ryan, 48, of Hillsboro, the court granted defense counsel’s motion for a competency evaluation for the defendant, and for the trial to be moved to the next term of court. Ryan is charged with one count, sexual abuse by a custodian and two counts, sexual abuse in the first degree.
Ralph Jeffrey McLaughlin, 49, of Dunmore, waived his right to a speedy trial and the court granted a defense motion to continue the trial to the next term of court. Defense counsel is in negotiations with the State. McLaughlin pleaded guilty to DUI third offense.
A hearing was held on a defendant’s request to the court to reduce counsel fees and expenses in the case the State vs David Wayne Cassell, II, 30, of Cass. The court asks that financial affidavits be submitted and will rule after that information has been received. Cassell was indicted by the December 2014 Grand Jury on two counts, entry of building other than a dwelling; one count, petit larceny; and one count, destruction of property.
A motions hearing was held June 22 before Judge Dent in the double murder case the State vs Aaron Joseph Bussard, 24, of Marlinton, wherein the court ruled that it would allow the admissibility of the defendant’s oral statements to a deputy and special agent. With regard to a search warrant, the court will take the matter under advisement and rule. The court granted the defense motion that jurors only be allowed to view the outside of the home in question. The court granted the State’s motion that its witness, a trooper with the West Virginia State Police, be allowed to view the full video. Defense objected and asked that only the part of the video pertaining to the grand larceny charge be viewed. The court granted full viewing of the video. Other motions will be heard July 3. Bussard was indicted on two counts, first degree murder; one count, grand larceny; two counts, concealment of a deceased body; two counts, fraudulent use of credit cards; and one count, fraudulent schemes.
The following cases were heard June 23:
Trial is set for July 13 in the case the State vs James M. Lester, 34, of Nettie. Lester was indicted on one count, petit larceny and one count, entry of a building other than a dwelling.
An outstanding motions hearing was held in the case the State vs Jeremi L. Kincaid, 23, of Marlinton, wherein the defendant failed to appear and counsel advised the court that they did not know his whereabouts. The matter is set for a status conference June 28.
A competency hearing in the case the State vs Edwin Kinnison, 60, of Hillsboro, was held wherein the court advised that the defendant is not competent to stand trial or enter a plea. Kinnison was transported to a facility where he will remain for a period of three to nine months or until he regains competency. The Matter is set for a 90 day status review September 27.