Several Head to Jail After Circuit Court Appearances

Several Braxton County Circuit Court hearings have been completed by the Honorable Judge Richard A. Facemire. Braxton County Prosecuting Attorney Jasmine R.H. Morton represented the state during the court proceedings. As a result, four individuals will be service jail time while a fifth awaits trial.
On September 19, Bailey James Fleming and attorney Kevin Hughart came before Judge Facemire for a sentencing hearing. The defense requested an alternative sentence stating Fleming had taken responsibility for his actions and was sorry for what had happened. The state remained silent per the plea agreement. The state, however did read a letter to the court from the victim and the victim’s mother. The court stated the defendant had failed to take responsibility for his actions. Therefore, the court denied the motion. Bailey was sentenced to one to five years on the two felony counts of sexual assault in the third degree.
On September 15, Steven Dennis Deal came before the court with his attorney Jonathan Fittro for a hearing on probation revocation. The defendant admitted to allegations contained in the petition. Judge Facemire revoked his probation based on his admission. The court stated he had failed to take responsibility for his actions. On the felony offense of driving while license revoked-3rd offense, Deal was sentenced to one to three years.
On September 12, Cameron Wade Crites appeared with his attorney David Karickhoff before Judge Facemire for probation revocation. Tyler Morlan was present on behalf of the Braxton County Probation Office. The court revoked the defendant’s probation after he admitted to allegation contained in the petition for revocation. The defense requested he be given another opportunity on probation. The state recommended Crites be sentenced to the Anthony Center for Youthful Offenders. After reviewing the case, the court suspended the sentences for burglary and destruction of property. Crites is to be sent to the Anthony Center for a period of not less than six months and is to successfully complete the program.
Dustan Brice Stewart came to court for a hearing on probation revocation. He was represented by Jonathan Fittro and Morlan was also present from the probation office. The defendant admitted to allegations in the petition for revocation. Stewart’s probation was revoked by the court. Both the defense and the state agreed to allow the defendant be re-admitted to probation, however the state asked he served 60 days incarceration. Judge Facemire suspended the sentence, with the exception of 60 days, for illegal possession of destructive devices, explosive materials or incendiary devices and placed Stewart on five years of probation.
On October 11, Hannibal Taft Ryan, IV appeared in court with his attorney Bernard Mauser for an arraignment hearing. The defendant entered a not guilty plea to the two counts in the indictment, fleeing with reckless indifference and fraudulent registration. A jury trial has been set for January 10.