According to Pocahontas County Circuit Clerk Connie Carr, the following hearings were held via Skype and teleconference: June 26 before the Honorable Judge Robert E. Richardson: Jennifer Highlander, 28, of Marlinton, tendered a written plea agreement to the court wherein she pleaded guilty to the felony charge of grand larceny from Greenbrier County, and the felony charge from Pocahontas County of entry of a building other than a dwelling. The State agreed to dismiss all other charges in both counties. The court accepted Highlander’s plea and adjudged her guilty. The matter was referred to the probation department for a pre-sentence investigation. July 8 before the Honorable Jennifer P. Dent: A bond revocation hearing was held in the case the State vs Amanda Katherine Brewer-Long, 39, of Hillsboro, wherein the defendant asked for a continuance of the hearing to allow her time to obtain legal counsel either by filing an affidavit for eligibility for appointed counsel or by retaining counsel on her own. The hearing is continued to July 29. Zane C. Burdette, 34, of Marlinton, waived his right to a speedy trial and the matter is set for a status conference September 2. A status conference was held in the case the State vs Cody Brouwer, 25, of Marlinton, wherein the state advised that plea negotiations have been reduced to writing. A change of plea/status conference is set for August 13. A sentencing hearing was held in the case the State vs Matthew J. Tuskan, 37, of Hillsboro, wherein the defendant was sentenced to the custody of the WVDOCR for not less than one year nor more than five years on Count I of the indictment, delivery of a Schedule II controlled non-narcotic substance, methamphetamine, a felony; not less than two years nor more than 10 years as to Count VI, operating a clandestine drug lab, a felony; not less than one year nor more than five years as to Count VIII, possession with intent to deliver a Schedule II controlled non-narcotic substance, a felony. Count VI and VIII shall run concurrent to each other, but will run consecutive to Count I, and all sentences shall run consecutive to the sentence Tuskan is now serving in Wyoming County. The defendant was given 634 days’ credit for time served and was remanded to custody.
