According to Pocahontas County Circuit Clerk Connie Carr, the following cases were heard March 4 before the Honorable Judge Jennifer P. Dent:
A written plea agreement was offered to Matthew D. Walton, 41, of Hillsboro. Defense counsel asked the court for time to review it. The matter is set for March 18. Walton was indicted by the December Grand Jury on two counts, forgery; and two counts, uttering.
A status conference was held in the case the State vs Zane C. Burdette, 34, of Marlinton, wherein the court was advised that the defendant has a conflict with defense counsel. The court relieved the attorney from the case, and a new attorney was appointed. The matter is continued to March 18.
A hearing was held on a defense motion to re-admit to bond in the case the State vs Brandon Waddell, 33, of Durbin, wherein the court was advised that a transport order had been entered, but Tygart Valley Regional Jail failed to bring the defendant to court. A hearing on a defense motion for modification of bond is set for March 18.
Dustin Don Morrison, 25, of Marlinton, tendered a letter to the court stating he has a conflict with his appointed counsel. The Public Defender was relieved from the case and a new attorney was assigned. Defense counsel asked for a reduction to a personal recognizance bond in the amount of $7,500 with the condition of home incarceration. The state opposed any PR bond and asked for a cash or surety bond. The court set a blanket bond in the amount of $5,000, cash or surety, with the condition of home incarceration. The defendant will reside with his mother. Morrison is to have no physical or verbal contact with the victim in the case. He was remanded to custody. Morrison was charged, in Magistrate Court, with malicious or unlawful assault causing bodily injury. The case was bound over to Circuit Court.