By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
The Honorable Judge Courrier had a lengthy docket with cases of juveniles, abuse and neglect, civil, and criminal case matters. Hearings commenced at 9 a.m. and finalized after 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 in Tucker County Circuit Court.
Jason Adkins entered the room for a hearing regarding his failure to check in to the Tygart Valley Regional Jail as mandated by the court. A plea deal had been offered by the Prosecution with a denial by Adkins. As a result, a one day trial is set for June 11 at 9 a.m. following pre-trial date on May 28 at 3:30 p.m.
Following was David Phillips, out on bond for his charges of sexual assault, who was present with Attorney Hess for a status hearing. “Judge, I think we need to set a trial date,” stated Hess. Hess and LaMora agreed a two day trial would be needed, therefore is slated for July 24 and 25 beginning at 9 a.m. with a pre-trial hearing set for July 12 at 11:15 a.m.
Defense Attorney Easton entered next with his client, Dustin Moran. Courrier asked the attorney’s the status of the case when Lamora informed a plea offer is under consideration by Moran. An expedition letter is submitted to the crime lab expressing urgency for the results of evidence in their review and it is LaMora’s goal to obtain those results by May 1. If the evidence is available by that date, Moran will return on May 8 at 9:30 a.m. to announce his decision on the plea deal or to set a trial date. Easton revisited his motion for bond modification as suggested by Courrier at the previous hearing. Currently bond is set at $100,000 cash or property with home confinement restrictions. LaMora felt if bond was lowered and he was released, Moran would be a flight risk and put others at risk. Easton informed Courrier that Moran is also indicted and being held on charges from Randolph County with a $250,000 cash or property bond, and the last request to lower bond in Randolph was also denied. Courrier responded, “I’m going to keep it where it is now,” and stated he would follow up on his decision on May 8.
The final hearing of the day was that of Kelsie Hebb, indicted on three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and one count of persons prohibited from possessing firearm charges. Her defense stated there has been recent discover that the prosecution has yet to receive and more time is needed for evaluation. Courrier complied and set a follow up on May 28.
In other court news, the five day murder trial set for Jason White is being postponed. The defense enlisted the services of an out of state expert to evaluate evidence which the Judge sated had to be back in time for ample time for the prosecution to cross examine and have the opportunity to hire their own expert if need arises.
Lester Mook’s two day trial has been scheduled for May 9 and 10 with Tammy Mook’s on the books for June 24 and 25. The pre-sentencing investigation on Britni Ball has been completed and can move forward with sentencing. Ball’s sentencing hearing is set for June 13 which will require some form of incarceration.
