The following hearings were recently held in Pocahontas County Circuit Court before the Honorable Judge Robert E. Richardson:
A pre-trial conference was held in the case the State vs Thomas Schoolcraft, 39, of Buckeye, wherein defense counsel entered a motion to withdraw as counsel for the defendant as communication has been broken. The court appointed new counsel and the matter is continued to the next term of court. Schoolcraft was indicted on one count, strangulation; one count, domestic battery; one count, trespassing.
Christopher Gibson, 47, of Buckeye, appeared by video from the Tygart Valley Regional Jail for a pre-trial status conference wherein defense counsel indicated that they don’t believe this matter will proceed to trial. The court will allow the parties to proceed with negotiations. The court found that the defendant violated the terms and conditions of his home confinement and he was sanctioned to eight days in the TVRJ and given credit for time served. He will be released back to home confinement. Gibson waived his right to a speedy trial and the matter is moved to the next term of court.
A final pre-trial status conference was held in the case the State vs Roger W. Teter, Jr, 50, of Dunmore, wherein the state related that a plea agreement is being written up. The defendant has a case in another division of the court which will be included in the agreement. Defense counsel asked for more time to finalize the agreement. Teter waived his right to a speedy trial in this term of court. This case is transferred to the other division of the court to proceed with the additional case.
Charles Irvine, 50, of Marlinton, admitted to violating the terms and conditions of his home confinement. Defense counsel asked that the defendant be returned to home confinement and participate in an outpatient substance abuse treatment program. The State expressed concern about the pattern in this matter as this is the third violation. The court revokes alternative sentencing, and the original sentence of not less than one year nor more than three years in the state penitentiary was reimposed. Irvine was given 181 days’ credit for time service. He was remanded to custody.
An in-person motions hearing was held in the case the State vs Jerry Schoolcraft, 61, of Renick, wherein the court modified the defendant’s bond to relieve him of the condition of home confinement. Schoolcraft will wear a GPS monitoring device at all times and is to stay away from certain individuals. Schoolcraft was indicted on four counts, sexual assault in the second degree.
