According to Pocahontas County Circuit Clerk Connie Carr, the following hearings were held November 27 before the Honorable Judge Jennifer P. Dent:
Anna Faye Sheets, 50, of Marlinton, waived her right to a speedy trial. The State is still providing discovery in the case, and both the State and defense counsel asked for another motions hearing, which is set for January 2, 2019.
A status conference was held in the case the State vs Leo Woodhouse, 53, of Marlinton, wherein the state advised the court that it is still waiting for a report from the State Police Forensic Lab. Woodhouse waived his right to a speedy trial, and the matter was continued to January 2, 2019.
Defense counsel is in negotiations with the State in the case the State vs Ricky Schoolcraft, 35, of Hillsboro. A status conference is set for January 2, 2019.
A pre-trial conference/motions hearing was held in the case the State vs Amanda Bennett, 42, of Marlinton, wherein defense counsel asked that the pre-trial and trial be continued as Bennett has charges against her in another county. The State and defense are also in plea negotiations. The matter is continued to January 30, 2019.
Jeffrey Allen Hill, 52, of Lewisburg, waived his right to a speedy trial. The court granted a defense motion for more time to pursue plea negotiations.
Cody Brouwer, 24, of Marlinton, did not appear for his status conference. A capias was issued when he failed to appear for his last hearing. Defense counsel advised the court that he believes the defendant is in Texas.
A status conference was held in the case the State vs Zachary Morrison, 30, of Buckeye, wherein defense counsel advised the court that the parties are working toward a global plea agreement. Trial remains on the docket for December 20.
The following hearings were held November 28:
Paul A. Shaver, 24, of Morgantown, waived his right to a speedy trial. Defense counsel advised that plea negotiations are being considered. Shaver was remanded to custody.
The State has tendered a plea agreement in writing to defense counsel for Marissa E. Mann Bennett, 23, of Renick. A change of plea hearing is set for January 9, 2019.
A status conference was held in the case the State vs Jonathan Edward Sergeon, 39, of Marlinton, wherein the state advised that the defendant had been declared competent to assist counsel and participate in his defense. Defense counsel asked for a criminal evaluation, as well. The court directed the magistrate court to hold a preliminary hearing within ten days, and to have a psychological evaluation conducted too determine Sergeon’s criminal responsibility.
David Edward Ryan, 47, of White Sulphur Springs, tendered a written plea agreement to the court wherein he pleaded guilty to Count III and Count IV of the indictment, felony offense of sexual abuse in the first degree. The state moved to dismiss Counts I and II with prejudice. The matter was referred to the probation department. Ryan was directed to register on the Sex Offender Registry. Sentencing and disposition is set for January 23, 2019. Ryan was remanded to custody.
Jamie W. Sites, 41, of Circleville, waived his right to a speedy trial, and defense counsel asked that the matter be continued to the next term of court. Sites was remanded to custody.
The Honorable Judge Robert E. Richardson presided over the following change of plea hearing:
Lynn David Jordan, Jr. 30, of Marlinton, tendered a written plea agreement to the court wherein he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of possession of a controlled non-narcotic substance, 15 grams of marijuana, a misdemeanor. The court accepted the plea of guilty but will withhold adjudication at this time. Jordan was placed on probation for one year and if he successfully completes the probationary period, the matter will be dismissed. Costs were assessed which will be paid during probation, and Jordan will be required to perform 200 hours of community service.
