Probation Violated
Sarah Watson, 22, P.O. Box 125, Littleton, was found guilty of violating the terms and conditions of her probation and was sentenced Friday to 60 days in the Northern Regional Jail.
Testimony was given in the matter, with the first to take the stand being Jamie Nolan, who had allegedly accused Watson of committing battery against her. However, during questioning by the state, Nolan repeatedly responded that she pleaded “the Fifth (Amendment), at first stating her lawyer was not present.
A bench conference was held regarding the matter, after which Nolan confirmed that the document Special Prosecuting Attorney Luke Furbee was holding did appear to be the complaint she had given West Virginia State Trooper Jason Kocher.
Trooper Jason Kocher with the West Virginia State Police testified that he had been told by Nolan that she was beaten up by Watson. He said based on Nolan’s statement, he charged Watson with battery. He stated that Nolan did seek treatment.
Barrackville Chief of Police Chuck Wilson stated that approximately the night of Feb. 3, dispatch “put out a bulletin” for a vehicle headed to the area. He stated he went to a residence on Pike Street, in Barrackville, where an underage female was discovered to be drinking. He stated he contacted the prosecuting attorney of Marion County and was advised to obtain a search warrant. Wilson said that during the subsequent search, marijuana and a “couple cases” of alcohol were found.
The defense had no witnesses to testify in the matter.
“I’m scratching my head,” Furbee stated, reasoning that Nolan had made the complaint to Trooper Kocher yet attempted to plead the Fifth four to five times in court that day.
“Mr. Furbee is a very wily prosecutor, but I don’t think that he could admit (Watson) committed a criminal act,” said Defense Attorney David White.
Judge David W. Hummel did not determine that Watson had committed another crime; however, he did determine that she violated the terms and conditions of her probation by being in the company of another convicted felon, based on the testimony given by Police Chief Chuck Wilson.
James Wiley, 35, also was present in court where his attorney John Anderson waived the preliminary hearing for his probation revocation hearing. Wiley will return to court June 6, 10 a.m.
In another matter Michael A. Briggs, 25, of 368 Virginia Street, New Martinsville, pleaded guilty to one information count of conspiracy to deliver a controlled narcotic substance, methamphetamine. Prosecuting Attorney Timothy Haught stated that this charge stems from an offense that occurred on Feb. 12 when Briggs and a co-defendant were at a New Martinsville motel and possessed items necessary to cook methamphetamine. For this offense, Briggs will serve six months in jail, followed by two years of probation. Briggs is also ordered to complete drug court and, if he successfully completes the program, his plea could be withdrawn.
Briggs stated he wants to change his ways and “do better.” Of the meth, he stated, “It’s pretty nasty stuff . . . I’m not proud of it.”
In another matter, Michael Todd Stiles, 37, of HC 67 Box 61, Hundred, admitted to committing a technical violation, which is a violation of his probation.
Stiles, who was first convicted of domestic assault, had been caught with prescription hydrochodone. For this offense, he will serve 60 days on home confinement, with work release.
David Michael Jacobs-Stevens, 22, of 213 South 1st Avenue, Paden City, pleaded guilty to one information count of misdemeanor delivery of a schedule V substance, Subutex. For this offense, he would serve six months in the Northern Regional Jail, with credit for 43 days served. However, this sentence was suspended, and Jacobs-Stevens will serve two months of probation, as well as take part in the drug court program.
“I’m guilty,” Jacobs-Stevens stated. “I was hanging out with the wrong crowd and sold a couple of Suboxin.”