By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
Tucker County Grand Jury heard several cases and indicted half a dozen individuals on the charges brought against them. The Honorable Judge James Courrier heard these indictments and started their journey through the Tucker County Circuit Court. Justin Campbell who was scheduled to appear did not do so and his attorney was also not present.
Appearing was Kenneth Ray Smith, indicted on one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, being marijuana, a schedule one substance. He was also charged with five counts of delivery of a controlled substance, which was a schedule three classified drug known as suboxone. Smith is out of jail on a $30,000 personal recognizance (PR) bond and also required to take part in the Community Corrections Program.
Involved in the same set of crimes was Taylor Renee Dilley. She too is indicted on one count of possession with intent to deliver the schedule one drug marijuana, and five counts of delivery of a controlled schedule three substance, suboxone. She too has the same $30,000 PR bond and is on the Community Corrections Program.
Jason Allen Adkins was indicted on a new set of charges, the first being forgery of a $50 check. The second count was for conspiracy to utter. Adkins is currently incarcerated for other charges at this time.
Jason Franklin Brickles was the last to appear before Courrier for his arraignment hearing. Brickles is charged with one count of domestic battery, his second offense, with his first offense dating back to April of 2005 in Pocahontas County. His second charge was for strangulation of the same victim. Brickles is currently out on a $5,000 PR bond.
Courrier also had scheduled status and plea agreement hearings. William Armstrong was present with his attorney, Frank Bush, on his charges of first offense domestic battery and strangulation. After discussion between the defense and Prosecuting Attorney Ray LaMora, a plea agreement had been met for a plea of guilty to the first offense misdemeanor of domestic battery, which carries a 12 month sentence and the state would drop the strangulation charge. Also, as part of the agreement, the incarceration period would be suspended for a 12 month probationary period. Courrier explained to Armstrong that even though this is a misdemeanor and not a felony, he is prohibited to own or possess firearms and informed this charge qualifies for enhanced penalties with repeat offenders. Armstrong is responsible for the attorney fees, court fees, and the probation supervisor fees as well.
Tonia Armstrong appeared with new legal counsel, Phil Isner. Due to his short tenure on this particular case, it was requested to reschedule the hearing for July 12 at 9 a.m. to allow more time. Armstrong is charged with one count of malicious assault.
Tracey Elza, charged with three counts of prescription fraud and three counts of uttering, appeared before Judge Courrier. The purpose of this hearing was to hear testimony by Corporal J.E. Kopec who received a statement by Elza and determine whether it would be submitted to the court. Upon reviewing the documentation, her representative declared the testimony could be waived and agreed, along with Elza, to allow the statement to be used in a potential trial. LaMora did share some concern regarding her previous drug screenings, but that investigation is still ongoing. Elza is set to return on August 2 at 2:45 p.m.
Dustin Moran also appeared, however it was decided to continue his case to return on July 12 at 2:45 p.m. This concluded the criminal hearings for the Honorable Judge James Courrier until he is back in Tucker County in July.
