The following criminal cases have been filed in the Tucker County Magistrate office:
- David Lee Close of Parsons was charged with Malicious Wounding, Domestic Battery Second offense and Persons prohibited from possessing firearms. The criminal complaints state that on Thursday, Jan. 9 at approximately 9 a.m. Tucker County 911 was contacted to report a domestic dispute. West Virginia State Police made contact with Samantha Close as she was leaving her home and she stated that her husband David Lee Close had beat her in the head and face area with a large glass candle. Mrs. Close was transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital by Health Net. While trying to locate Close inside the residence, multiple rifles were discovered. Close was eventually located at a house in the Montrose area. The officers were confronted by Close who had a rifle in his mouth. After a short standoff, Close was taken into custody without further incident. The West Virginia State Police and the Tucker County Sheriff’s office responded.
- Michael Hartzell of Clarksburg was charged with Bribery in Official Matter. According to the criminal complaint the defendant did on Jan. 4 attempt to bribe Chief Deputy E.C. Surguy by offering him $100 to drop him off at a motel in Elkins. He stated that if Surguy would call his cousin, who is the sheriff in Barbour County, he would come and pick him up.
