On Tuesday, February 8, the February term of the Braxton County Grand Jury convened with the Honorable Richard A. Facemire, Circuit Court Judge presiding. The jury returned indictments against 10 individuals on a total of 28 various charges. Presenting the cases to the grand jury was Braxton County Prosecuting Attorney Jasmine R.H. Morton.
Samuel Thomas Workman of Sutton was indicted on three felony charges, first degree murder, death of a child by a parent, guardian, or custodian or other person by child abuse, and child neglect creating substantial risk of serious bodily injury or death. On February 2, 2021, officers were notified of an unresponsive three year old male child on Old Turnpike Road in Sutton. The three year child had visible bruises and trauma all over his body and did not survive from his injuries. Workman had redness and swelling on both hands. A one year old child was also located at the residence at the time of the investigation. CPL B.K. Smith with the Crimes Against Children Unit of the WVSP was the investigating officer.
Stephen Eugene Cutlip of North Tazwell, VA has been charged with burglary and grand larceny and James Denver Criner of Frametown has been indicted on felony charges of grand larceny and conspiracy. The charges stem from an investigation by Braxton County Sheriff’s Department CPL C.E. Westfall conducted on October 30. The officer received a complaint from Dessie Clem Road in Frametown of several items stolen from a residence. Surveillance photos of the defendants showed Cutlip breaking the lock off of the front door and both individuals taking items out of the home.
Betsy Lynn Cogar and Chester Camden Marsh, both of Sutton, have been indicted on two felony counts of possession with intent to deliver for methamphetamine and fentanyl and one count of conspiracy. WVSP TPR C.D. Harper initiated a traffic stop on Old Turnpike Road in Sutton on August 1 which led to the charges. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of the meth and fentanyl.
Kasandra Dawn Utt of Sutton was indicted for two felony counts of possession with intent to deliver for methamphetamine and fentanyl. On August 21, WVSP TPR T.W. McMillion executed a search warrant at Locust Estates in Sutton at the defendant’s residence. During the search, the controlled substances were located along with scales, baggies, and a notebook containing names and dollar amounts owed.
Tanya Marie Conrad of Duck was indicted on the felony offense of possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver. BCSD Deputy A.L. Groves conducted a traffic stop on I-79 south bound, just south of the Servia exit leading to the charge.
Spurgeon Glenn Friend of Little Birch is facing the felony charge of burglary and the misdemeanor petit larceny. WVSP CPL George Jones investigated a breaking and entering complaint in Little Birch in May 2021. The officer was able to locate the missing items after the defendant admitted to going to the residence and informing the officer where the items were located.
Johnny Lee Kerr of Walkersville is facing four felony counts and five misdemeanors including possession of meth with intent to deliver, conspiracy, receiving or transferring stolen goods, receiving or transferring stolen vehicle and five counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The charges stem from an investigation conducted TPR E.W. Clark. The trooper executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Walkersville. During the search, baggies, a scale and the drugs were located as well as a stolen riding lawn mower and numerous firearms.
Ernest Samuel Weaver, III of Buckhannon was indicted on one felony count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. WVSP TPR C.D. Harper investigated a complaint from June 28 of a wrecked vehicle on Herold Road in Sutton. A search of the defendant led to the discovery of the meth, scales and baggies. (Editor’s Note: The return of an indictment by a Grand Jury indicated that a person has been formally charged by the State with the commission of a crime or crimes. It is an accusation. The U.S. Constitution provides that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the State. Upon entering a plea of innocent, persons accused of a crime are entitled to a trial by a jury of their peers. The guilt or innocence of the accused is determined by a Petit Jury, not by means of an indictment by a Grand Jury.)