Kevin Clark Thompson Jr.

In Wetzel County Circuit Court on Friday, Kevin Clark Thompson Jr., 22, of 242 Franklin Street, New Martinsville, pleaded guilty to a one-count information of the felony offense of possession of a controlled substance (heroin) with intent to deliver. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Thompson was sentenced to one to 15 years in the West Virginia Penitentiary for Men with credit for 57 days served. He also agreed to forfeit property and money seized by the New Martinsville Police Department during their investigation. Thompson will also pay all court costs. Additionally, the state dismissed its case against Becca Keller, 19, also of 242 Franklin Street, per the plea agreement. Thompson was remanded to the Northern Regional Jail’s Division of Corrections.

During the hearing on July 29, Judge Mark A. Karl asked Thompson where he obtained the heroin, to which Thompson’s only reply was “From a friend.” The judge repeatedly asked specifically if his friend lived locally or in Pennsylvania, but Thompson refused to divulge any other details. The judge also reviewed the defendant’s alcohol and drug use history form, which stated Thompson was a user of illegal drugs including illegally obtained prescription drugs. Furthermore, Thompson noted on the form that his drug use contributed to the crime but did not request drug counseling as a condition of his sentence.

On or about June 2, in Wetzel County, police arrested Thompson and Keller for possession with the intent to deliver heroin following a search of their home. Police acquired a search warrant for the home after receiving several complaints from neighbors.

During the search police found $420 cash in a safe, a bag of rubber bands, 28 stamps of heroin, and other drug paraphernalia. Police also recovered multiple used drug stamps and paraphernalia in Thompson and Keller’s trash.

Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney Timothy Haught stated in court on Friday that in addition to these facts, other evidence against Thompson include a statement made by Thompson to New Martinsville Police Chief Tim Cecil wherein he affirmed sole responsibility for the heroin. Haught noted Keller denied any involvement with the drugs.