Tori Dale Hinkle

Tori Dale Hinkle, 22, of Paden City, pleaded guilty to a one-count information of conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance (heroin) during her hearing in Wetzel County Circuit Court on June 8. A pre-sentence report is being conducted by Adult Probation Officer John Lantz and Hinkle will return July 7 at 1:30 p.m. for sentencing. Her bond continues.

On March 3 the New Martinsville Police Department arrested Hinkle for possession of heroin with the intent to deliver, following a traffic stop made in New Martinsville.

At approximately 11:54 p.m., New Martinsville Police Chief Tim Cecil stopped a vehicle heading south on state Route 2 in New Martinsville, just past the railroad track crossing. The vehicle had been crossing the yellow highway lines, leading Chief Cecil to suspect a possible DUI offense. During the stop Cecil noticed the driver, Elson Hinkle, had “glassy eyes” but no smell of alcohol. Chief Cecil called Detective Donnie Harris, who arrived on the scene with the department’s police dog, Kenny. Deputy Randy Adams of the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office and NMPD patrolmen Don Larsen and Bruce Smith also assisted with the incident.

Following a search, 110 stamps of heroin (valued at roughly $4,400) were found on Tori Hinkle’s person. Tori, Elson’s wife, was in the passenger seat.

During the hearing on June 8 Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney Timothy Haught added that on the night of the arrest the NMPD received a call from a cooperating individual that heroin was coming into New Martinsville. Additionally, it was noted Hinkle had been mirandized and gave an oral statement saying she and her husband had gone to Pittsburgh for the drug. In court Hinkle said she was a user of drugs but had been clean since May 10. As part of the plea agreement Hinkle has requested drug counseling.