Two sentencing hearings were held in Wetzel County Circuit Court on the morning of March 5.

Michael R. Alleman, 37, of 45524 Th. 2211, Clarington, was in Wetzel County Circuit Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to grand larceny at his last hearing on Feb 5. After reviewing the report from Adult Probation Officer John Lantz and hearing the state’s recommendations and Alleman’s statements, Judge David Hummel Jr. sentenced Alleman to one to 10 years in the West Virginia State Penitentiary for Men with credit for 150 days served. He is also ordered to pay $795 restitution and court costs.

Alleman’s attorney, Roger Weese, made a good claim for Alleman, stating how sorry he was for his offenses and how he’d sought treatment for his alcoholism several times in the past and presently. He also stated Alleman has worked his whole life to support his large family. His family, including six young children, were present for support at his sentencing hearing. Weese fought for alternative sentencing, given his guilty plea made on Feb. 5 and his model behavior in jail. He requested home confinement with work release. “This was a nonviolent crime,” Weese said. “It’s pertinent that we correct the situation so that he can provide for his family. The jails are overcrowded.”

Alleman lamented, “I’d like to apologize to everyone involved. I’m truly sorry. I’m sorry I stole.” While Alleman was seemingly sincere in his apologies to Bridgeport Equipment and Tool, the court, and his family, Hummel could not get past the seriousness of his offenses, the potential offenses, and the long list of past misdemeanor crimes on his record.

The offenses regarding his conviction on Friday include stealing, stealing across state lines, drinking and driving, leading police in pursuit across state lines, and fleeing.

“He put in danger all of the law enforcement, the passenger, himself, and anyone else on the roads,” Wetzel County Prosecutor Tim Haught stated.

Between July 25 and 26, 2009, Alleman and a female subject came to Bridgeport Equipment and Tools on three separate occasions and carried away a John Deere tractor Model LA 105, Serial No. GX A 105A225685, a John Deere tractor Model X300, Serial No. M0X300C042934, and a John Deere tractor Model X540, Serial No. M0X540A043148, each having a value of more than $1,000, belonging to Bridgeport Equipment and Tools in New Martinsville. The female subject cooperated fully while Alleman alluded the police upon a police pursuit.

Also in court on Friday was Daniel Todd Hunter, 45, of HC 61 Box 99, Littleton, who was also in court to be given sentencing for his crime to which he pleaded guilty to previously for grand larceny. At his last visit, restitution was not yet settled and the purpose of his appearance on March 5 was to settle such matters and move on to incarceration.

Peter Parker, the victim in the case, took the stand to testify that his losses were accumulating as he’s been combing through his home. In the original report, losses to Parker totaled $2,500. However, by March 5 those losses had increased to $6,300. “The list was incomplete,” reiterated Parker as he grew frustrated when questioned about his belongings and his motive for reporting them so late. Hunter’s attorney, Jeremiah Gardner, stated it seemed convenient that Parker’s list was growing even during the restitution hearing.

Hummel ordered restitution be $2,500 as stated from the original report and advised Parker he could sue Hunter for the balance. Gardner requested lastly that Hunter be given some time to put home matters in order as Hunter’s wife was presently in the hospital and needed proper care at home. Hummel granted Hunter two weeks. He is to report to the Northern Regional Jail by noon on March 19.

Hunter pleaded guilty to count two of his two-count indictment. He admitted to grand larceny and per his plea agreement, count one was dropped. Count one is a felony offense of burglary that allegedly occurred in September 2008 in which Hunter broke into Parker’s residence located near Littleton. Count two is grand larceny of $1,000 of goods belonging to Parker. Goods stolen included car batteries, ammunition, chain-saws, and a 1982 Ford F-150 truck, among other things.