Nikolas Brady Matthews, 31, of Paden City, appeared in court March 24, where he was handed a copy of his indictment from September 2014. The Honorable Judge Mark A. Karl stated that Matthews had been charged with conspiracy to deliver a controlled narcotic substance. However, he had not appeared in court on this charge. The Honorable Judge David W. Hummel had issued a capias for Matthews’ appearance. “You were apprehended recently on a capias,” Karl reiterated to Matthews. “You surrendered yourself to the New Martinsville Police Department yesterday.”

It was determined that the Public Defender Corporation has a conflict with Matthews’ case, as his brother was just represented by them. The matter was passed until April 3, 10:15 a.m.

Matthews’ brother, Douglas William Matthews, 28, of Paden City, pleaded guilty March 10 to delivery of a controlled substance, heroin. Douglas had been indicted by the September 2014 grand jury as well. However, his indictments had been sealed at the time.

Douglas Matthews’ two indictments were unsealed in late September 2014 so that Douglas could be entered into the National Crime Information Center. Douglas was picked up by the NMPD December 11, 2014 on a capias warrant. One indictment charged Douglas with delivery of a controlled substance (heroin). A second indictment charged him with conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance (heroin) and delivery of a controlled substance (heroin).

On March 10, Douglas entered a plea of guilty to one of his indictments, delivery of a controlled substance, heroin.

For this offense he was sentenced to confinement in the West Virginia Penitentiary for Men for a period of one to 15 years with credit for itme served, 90 days. This senetence is to run concurrent with a Marshall County Circuit Court sentence.

Douglas also agreed to pay approximately $191 to the West Virginia State Police as reimbursement for investigative funds.