By: Jennifer Britt
The Parsons Advocate
The Honorable Judge James Courrier reigned over Tucker County Circuit Court with the sentencing of two individuals previously indicted by the Grand Jury. Lester Mook and David Stover after much time due to COVID restrictions received sentencing for actions committed.
Lester Mook was indicted by grand jury back in June 2018. Mook was indicted for two counts of felony receiving, transferring, and concealing stolen property and three counts of burglary in the second degree, (aiding and abetting), and one count of first-degree arson. L. Mook’s case coincided to Tammy Mook’s, his wife, charges of four counts of burglary and one count of arson. Also involved was James Nelson, father-in-law, for charges of first-degree arson.
All involved were accused of burning down a vacation home at 1675 Dry Fork Rd. The knowledge of the arson first became known when a confidential informant told the police in recordings from the jail that she had been involved as well as Nelson and the Mook’s.
Nelson has been found not guilty of all charges against him
- Mook represented by Defense Attorney Pay Nichols, per his plea agreement, was acquitted of grand larceny charges and plead guilty to possession of stolen property. The possession charge carries a one-to-five-year jail sentence. Courrier sentenced L. Mook to one-to-ten years suspended and up to five years of probation. After one and half years the probation a determination may be made whether to reduce the probation period or not. Courrier based his decision on three key note factors; the crime was non-violet, a 20-year gap with convictions and restitution had been paid in full.
The vehicle in question was a side-by-side stolen from Thrasher Engineering Company and has been given back to Thrasher.
Courrier also resigned over the status case of Stover. Stover plead guilty to charges of misdemeanor unlawful restraint. Stover held Brian Perkins at gun point and had another individual tie his hands and feet together. Stover is quoted with saying to Perkins, “If you move this will go differently.” Stover then called the police for a citizen’s arrest.
According to Stover, Perkins had broken into his place of residency and “thumped his dog.” Stover then proceeded to track down Perkins and attempted to make the citizens’ arrest. Courrier explained to Stover, “There may be justification for your actions but not the best judgement used” Courrier then sentenced Stover to two years of probation with the opportunity to, after a year, probation being lifted.
When Courrier asked Stover if he agrees with the terms of the plea bargain, Stover stated, “Yes, I will do anything to save my dog from being executed.”