The following hearings were recently held in Pocahontas County Circuit Court before the Honorable Judge Robert E. Richardson:
A three-day jury trial is set for September 17 in the case the State vs Tony Garretson, 52, of Marlinton. Garretson was indicted on two counts, driving in a controlled substance (Methamphetamine) impaired state proximately causing death of any person; two counts, negligent homicide; one count, petit larceny.
In the case the State vs Ashley Welch, 32, of Monterville, defense counsel asked for a continuance to have time to review an offer put forth by the state. Welch waived her right to a speedy trial in this term of court. The matter is set for a joint jury trial August 20. Welch was indicted on one count, attempted entry of a dwelling or outbuilding; one count, conspiracy to commit a felony.
In the case the State vs Justin R. Arbogast, 35, of Valley Head, defense counsel asked for a continuance to have time to review an offer put forth by the state. Arbogast waived his right to a speedy trial in this term of court. A jury trial for Arbogast and his co-defendant is set for August 20. He was indicted on one count, attempted entry of a dwelling or outbuilding; and one count, conspiracy to commit a felony.
In the case the State vs Ayden Carroll, 20, of Cass, the court found that the statement made by the defendant shall be admissible at trial. The court denied a motion by the defense, finding no credible evidence for obtaining existing health records of the victim in this matter. Carroll was indicted on four counts, sexual assault in the third degree; and two counts, sexual abuse, third degree.
A status hearing was held in the case the State vs Jesse Blake, 40, of Marlinton, wherein defense counsel advised the court that the defendant had gained access to a 90-day treatment program. The matter is continued. Blake was indicted on one count, person prohibited from possessing a firearm; and one count, petit larceny.
A motion hearing was held in the case the State vs Franklin Cook, 66, of Caldwell, wherein the court denied a defense motion as there was no credible evidence for obtaining existing health records of victims in the matter. Cook was indicted on three counts, sexual abuse in the first degree; two counts, sexual abuse by a custodian of a child; and three counts, sexual assault in the first degree.
