On Tuesday, June 6, the summer term of the Braxton County Grand Jury convened with the Honorable Richard A. Facemire, Circuit Court Judge presiding. The jury returned indictments against 11 individuals on a total of 25 various charges. The state was represented by Braxton County Prosecuting Attorney Dwayne C. Vandevender during the proceedings.
Shawn Michael Meador, 42 of Summersville was indicted on two felony charges, aiding escape and other offenses relating to adults in custody or confinement and possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. In October 2022, WVSP TPR George Jones investigated a complaint of an inmate bringing drugs into Central Regional Jail.
Gary Lou Ramsey, 41 of Gassaway was indicted by the grand jury on possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and attempted fleeing other than a vehicle. TPR J.R. Garrett presented the evidence stemming from an October 20, 2022 incident in which he and another officer attempted to serve a warrant out of Clay County on the suspect when he tried to exit the back of the residence. Approximately 22 grams of meth and $1700 were found during the search.
Bobby Jo Duffield, 44 of Newton is facing charges of entry of a building other than dwelling and conspiracy. On December 26, TPR E.W. Clark responded to Wal-mart for a larceny complaint. During the investigation and review of security footage, the officer was able to identify the defendant.
Josephine Bendetto, 48 and Scott Ogorman, 50 both of Onondaga, NY were indicted on the charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of cocaine with intent to deliver, and conspiracy. On October 22, BCSD Deputy A.L. Groves were conducting road patrol on Servia Road when they noticed suspicious activity at the park and ride. Upon searching the vehicle, the deputy located a large quantity of cocaine, meth and cash and digital scales.
Bryonna Lee Schartiger, 24 of Craigsville, has been indicted on three counts of aiding escape and other offenses relating to adults in custody or confinement and one count of delivery of a controlled substance. WVSP CPL J.D. Jordan presented the evidence of an investigation in October 2022. The defendant brought heroin, fentanyl and suboxone into the CRJ leading to the overdose of another inmate.
David Michael Tinney, 48 of Flatwoods, was charged with two counts of malicious wounding and one count of child abuse resulting in serious injury. On February 18, the suspect got into a fight with his two children resulting in one child being taken to the hospital for treatment. CPL Jordan presented the evidence to the grand jury.
Lukas Michael Sartin, 27 of Sutton, has been indicted by the grand jury and charge with four counts of failure to register as sex offender. CPL Jordan testified for the state that Sartin had failed to keep his sex offender registry up-to-date with place of employment and location from June 2020 to April 2022.
Donnie Lee Allen, 53 of Frametown, was indicted on the felony charge of failure to register as a sex offender, second or subsequent offense. In April 2021, law enforcement checked the address listed by the defendant. The property owner informed officers Allen had not been there in several months. CPL Jordan presented the evidence.
Michael Lynn Harrison, 50 of Frametown, was charged with two counts of failure to register as sex offender in his indictment. In November 2022, the suspect was arrested in Calhoun County and the vehicle he was driving was not on his registry. CPL Jordan presented the evidence.
Dustan Brian Richardson, 40 of Sutton was indicted by the grand jury on the felony offense of driving while license revoked for DUI, third or subsequent offense and fleeing in a vehicle with reckless indifference. BCSD Deputy A.C. Jordan presented the evidence from a traffic stop on April 7, 2023 that led to the charges.
(Editor’s Note: The return of an indictment by a Grand Jury indicates that a person has been charged formally 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.)