According to Pocahontas County Circuit Clerk Connie Carr, the following cases were heard July 18 before the Honorable Judge Robert E. Richardson:
The court approved the public defender’s motion to withdraw as counsel for David Wayne Sharp, 56, of Marlinton. The withdrawal was necessary due to a conflict in representing another client. The court appointed new counsel for this case.
A sentencing and disposition hearing was held in the case the State vs Christopher M. Gibson, 41, of Marlinton, wherein defense counsel asked for alternative sentencing with probation. The court noted that Gibson had twice failed to register on the sex offender list, which must be done each year. Gibson was sentenced to not less than one year nor more than five years in the state penitentiary, but was allowed to discharge all but 60 days of the sentence on home confinement. He must also participate in a substance abuse assessment in the Day Report program. Costs were assessed and are to be paid within two years after release from home incarceration. Gibson was remanded to custody.
Plea negotiations are ongoing in the case the State vs Roy L. Walker, 52, of Monterey, Virginia. Walker waived his right to a speedy trial, and a change of plea hearing is set for August 1. Walker remains on current bond.
An order was entered for a forensic psychological evaluation of Jacob Owen Gragg, 19, of Slaty Fork.
The court approved the public defender’s motion to withdraw as counsel for Shawn M. Waugh, 30, of Elkins. The withdrawal was necessary due to conflicts. The court appointed new counsel for this case.
Gregory Keatley, 35, of Marlinton, waived his right to a speedy trial. New counsel asked for more time to prepare. A status conference is set for August 15.
A status conference was held in the case the State vs Amanda Bennett, 32, of Marlinton, wherein the court granted defense counsel’s motion for modification of the $2,500 bond to allow 10 percent cash and 90 percent personal recognizance. Bennett waived her right to a speedy trial, and trial will be held early in the next term of court.
The following hearing was held July 19 before the Honorable Judge Jennifer P. Dent:
A change of plea hearing was held in the case the State vs Kiana Woodhouse, 20, of Marlinton, wherein a written plea agreement was tendered to the court. The defendant was then unsure about the agreement, and the plea agreement was returned to the state. A status conference/change of plea hearing, or motions hearing if no agreement is reached, is set for August 3.