By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
The honorable Judge Nelson heard from several individuals regarding their cases on Tuesday, October 9 in Circuit Court. Most individuals required to attend were there with their legal representatives as they heard their indictments and the status of their cases.
Appearing first was Jasper Snyder who is charged with one count of entering without breaking, two counts of unlawful taking of a vehicle, and one count of obtaining goods by false pretense. Snyder was read his potential punishments before being dismissed.
Robert Roy was on the docket with his attorney by his side. Roy is being charged with one count of domestic battery, a misdemeanor, in which Roy pleaded guilty. Judge Nelson explained the process and expressed to Roy that his third offense becomes a felony. According to the case read by Prosecuting Attorney Ray LaMora, on September 15, 2017, the defendant left marks on a female victim indicative of domestic violence, which began with a verbal altercation. The victim allegedly had a pillow placed over her face, making it difficult to breathe. “This was a very violent attack on her”, expressed LaMora, “The amount of abuse taking place in this incident I feel requires the full twelve months in jail”, he suggested. The victim was present and requested a letter stating her case be read by LaMora. According to this statement written by the victim, her anxiety and depression have gotten worse since the altercation and she has to see a neurologist due to her head being hit against a wall. Also noted was a hip surgery may be needed due to injuries sustained. “I still have nightmares of the night he attacked me”, read LaMora from the letter to the Judge. Mr. Hess, Roy’s attorney, declared this was the first accusation brought against his client and he is a good citizen, at which he requested a pre sentencing investigation report be done prior to sentencing.
Escorted in by Sheriff Wilfong was Britni Ball along with her attorney. Ball is being charged with two counts of third offense shop lifting, which are two felonies. The first incident occurred around March 4 where Ball allegedly stole a sweet tea and frappuccino from Sheetz valued at $4.88, and again around July 2 lifting three wax melts and two pot scrubbers from Shop N Save totaling $17.46 plus $1.05 tax. Ball was read her potential penalties for these crimes and will be conducting a pre-trial conference.
Called upon was Levi McCauley along with his attorney, who was appearing before Judge Nelson for sentencing. McCauley was charged with two incidences of the third offense of driving while license was revoked. LaMora began by stating, “He’s less of a danger and more of a nuisance of the court”. “I think he needs to serve his one to three”, he added. Defense attorney Mr. Gentilozzi responded “He isn’t a violent criminal, I would ask the court to put him on probation judge”. Nelson addressed McCauley and he responded, “I apologize for messing up, I know I messed up and I’m sorry”. Judge Nelson replied, “I can’t have people driving around here taking the law into their own hands”, and he sentenced McCauley to serve one to three years along with a $3,000 fine.
Entering in chains was Charles Wolfe who was appearing with a response to his plea agreement. Wolfe is indicted with burglary, kidnapping, strangulation, third degree domestic battery, and attempted murder. The plea was denied in which case a two day trial has been scheduled for December 4-5.
Kimberly Swecker stood before the judge alongside her attorney. A plea deal had been made and accepted to reduce charges from third offense shoplifting, a felony, to second offense which is a misdemeanor. “You understand if you shoplift again, it could be a felony?” questioned Nelson. “Yes Sir”, replied Swecker. For stealing a $2 lighter from Sheetz, Swecker is responsible for a $250 fine, a $50 civil penalty, and court costs. Swecker was released following her sentencing.
Sheriff Wilfong called for Jeremy Watson to take his place before the judge. Watson is charged with one count felony possession of a firearm, one count obstructing an officer, one count failure to provide finger prints, and one count of possession with intent to deliver. Nelson proceeded to inform Watson of the potential fines and penalties of these charges before he was dismissed from the court room.
Last on the docket for the day was Jason Adkins. A plea agreement was presented to Adkins for the charge with one count of entering without breaking and all other remaining charges would be dropped, including grand theft. Adkins has chosen to accept the deal, and plead guilty to the remaining charge. LaMora explained the case as Adkins was formerly employed at Adkins Home Center and was fired. After which, Renick Adkins reported multiple firearms had been removed from his property. It was discovered J. Adkins had a key to gain access to the location and had then pawned several of these firearms in Elkins. A pre sentencing investigation will be conducted due to the state recommending jail time, which can range from one to ten years in a penitentiary.
Unable to attend, Lester Mook, charged with receiving, transferring, and concealing stolen property on two counts will be scheduled to appear on November 8, 2018 to respond to his plea offer or schedule a jury trial. Tom Harsh, charged with five counts of sexual assault first degree, twelve counts sexual assault second degree, seventeen counts sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or custodian, and twelve counts of incest will come face to face with Judge Nelson at this time, too. Also scheduled to reappear on Nov. 8 are Snyder, Roy, Ball, Watson, and Adkins.
