The Honorable Richard A. Facemire recently completed several plea and sentencing hearings in the Braxton County Circuit Court with Braxton County Prosecuting Attorney Jasmine R.H. Morton representing the state during the proceedings. Jacob Foster and Deandre Williams of the probation department were also present for the plea hearings.
On November 8, Ralph Jennings McCourt, Jr. came to court with attorney Kevin Hughart for a sentencing hearing. The defense moved for an alternative sentence with the state remaining silent per the plea agreement. McCourt admitted to having a serious drug problem but wished to attend a long-term, in-patient drug treatment program. Judge Facemire denied the motion noting his prior criminal record and substance abuse problem. On multiple felony offenses for possession with intent to deliver for meth, alprazolam, suboxone, and acetyl fentanyl and one felony count of conspiracy, the defendant was sentenced to five to 45 years in prison.
Chase Neal Hamner appeared in court with attorney Bernard Mauser for sentencing on the felony charge of grand larceny. The court denied the request for an alternative sentence and the defendant is to spend one to ten years in the state penitentiary.
Roger Allen Pettry and his attorney Kevin Hughart came before Judge Facemire for a sentencing hearing. A motion for alternative sentence was made by the defense but was denied by the court. The defendant was sentenced to one to ten years for the felony charge of breaking and entering.
On December 3, Charles Edward Shaffer, Jr. and his attorney Bernard Mauser appeared in court for a plea hearing. The defendant entered a guilty plea to the felony offense of transferring a stolen vehicle. Per the plea agreement, the state agreed to dismiss remaining charges and stand silent at sentencing.
On November 30, Robert Wayne Mitchell came to court with his attorney David Karickhoff. Both parties accepted the terms of a plea agreement. Mitchell pled guilty to the felony charge of fleeing in a vehicle from law enforcement while under the influence of alcohol, controlled substance, or drugs. The state agreed to remain silent at the sentencing hearing and dismiss bound over matters currently pending.
Geneva Jean Brady appeared in court with her attorney David Karickhoff. She entered a guilty plea to the felony charge of possession of the meth with intent to deliver. The state agreed to remain silent at the sentencing hearing and to dismiss remaining counts of the indictment.
On November 16, Roger Glen Smith and attorney Kevin Hughart came before Judge Facemire for a plea hearing. In a plea agreement, the defendant pled guilty to wanton endangerment involving a firearm. The state agreed to recommend an alternative sentence of home confinement at the sentencing hearing and dismiss remaining charges.
Harold Eugene Stewart appeared in court with attorney Kevin Hughart to enter a guilty plea to the felony charge of sexual abuse in the first degree. The state will stand silent at sentencing and dismiss remaining charges in the indictment per the plea agreement.
Tyler Brooks Alley and his attorney Betty Gregory appeared before the court for a plea hearing. The defendant entered a guilty plea to the felony offense of conspiracy (offenses by inmates). Per the plea agreement, the state will dismiss remaining charges and stand silent at sentencing.
Wallace Lee Hess appeared before Judge Facemire with attorney David Karickhoff. A plea agreement had been reached by both parties. Hess entered a guilty plea to the felony offense of grand larceny and escape. The state agreed to stay silent at sentencing and dismiss other charges.
Dusty A. Turner, Jr. and attorney Jonathan Fittro came to court for a plea hearing. On the felony offense of malicious assault, the defendant entered a guilty plea. The state agreed to dismiss remaining charges and recommend he attend the Anthony Correctional Center for Youthful Offenders.
Ryan Wesley Harris appeared in court for a plea hearing. He was represented by David Karickhoff. The defendant entered a guilty plea to burglary and the state agreed to dismiss remaining counts in the indictment and stay silent at the sentencing hearing.
Sentencing hearings for these individuals of the various plea hearings have been set for January 12.