On June 24, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. a sentencing was held in Judge Paul Zakaib’s courtroom at the Kanawha County Judicial Annex.  Kelsey Legg was sentenced to 5-8 years prison for her role in the murder of Kareem Hunter in 2013.  Mrs. Legg was convicted of two charges related to the murder.  Miguel Quinones and Deveron Patterson have been charged with 1^st degree murder in the case.

Family and friends of the victim and defendant were present in the courtroom for the hearing.  The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office increased the number of bailiffs in and around the courtroom to provide additional security.

Before the hearing at least one person was removed from the courtroom for unruly behavior.  After the hearing, as people were departing the building, a fight occurred on the sidewalk along Court Street.

Anthony Bryant (36 years old of Charleston, WV) was arrested for battery after pushing down a 54 year old female victim causing a head injury.  The victim was treated at the scene by medics with Charleston Fire Department, but not transported to the hospital.   

Also arrested was Terry Lee Phillips (57 years old of Charleston, WV) for obstructing an officer.  Both were arraigned at Kanawha County Magistrate Court and released on bond.

As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Bryant and Mr. Phillips are merely accusations.  Each is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  Attached are mug shots of Mr. Bryant and Mr. Phillips.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On June 24, 2014 at approximately 4:50 p.m., Metro 911 received a call reporting a disturbance on Gladys Avenue in the City of East Bank, WV.  Kanawha County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched.  The caller said Dennie Lester (59 years old of East Bank) got into a verbal argument with his ex-wife, who is also his current girlfriend. 

Mr. Lester fetched a sword and reportedly threatened to kill his girlfriend, then himself.  After chasing her around the lawn he got into a pickup truck, rammed his girlfriend’s car, then fled the area.  While trying to leave he struck another car in a head-on collision in a construction zone on Route 61. 

Mr. Lester then backed up and tried to flee again, but his vehicle got stuck on an embankment nearby.  He was briefly held at the scene by other motorists.  Mr. Lester got away from the others and ran again.  Deputy Sheriffs caught up with him as he was crawling on his hands and knees onto railroad tracks.  The sword was located in his pickup truck after Deputies arrived.

Mr. Lester is currently being evaluated at an area hospital.  Mr. Lester is under arrest.  His charges will be announced after consultation with an assistant prosecuting attorney.

As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Lester are merely accusations.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Note to journalists:  An update with an approximate arraignment time will be released later in the evening. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On June 25, 2014 the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office STOP Team arrested Jared Brent Casdorph (32 years old) of Morningside Drive, Pinch, WV.  The STOP Team and other Deputy Sheriffs executed a search warrant at Mr. Casdorph’s residence, and arrested him for possession with intent to distribute heroin.  Additional charges are being considered, as well.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office has received anonymous tips through our telephone hotline and website that led to the investigation and subsequent arrest. 

Although not every tip results in immediate action, the Sheriff’s Office reviews and distributes every tip received.  And information provided from known sources or anonymously is often key to solving cases, making arrests, and securing convictions.

The Sheriff’s Office maintains a Meth Lab Tip Line of 304-357-4693.  And tips can also be submitted through our website at www.kanawhasheriff.us.

Attached is a mug shot of Mr. Casdorph.  As is always the case in criminal matters, the charges against Mr. Casdorph are merely accusations.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Governor’s  Highway Safety Program will be conducting a high visibility sobriety checkpoint on Saturday, June, 28, 2014 from 7:00 p.m. to midnight on WV Rt. 25 near Institute. 

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office has a “zero” tolerance when it comes to impaired driving in Kanawha County and randomly conducts checkpoints and targeted patrols throughout the year to target impaired drivers on the roads of Kanawha County. 

Contact information for this detail:

Sergeant J.H. Thaxton

Traffic Enforcement

Cell:  304-389-7142

justinthaxton@kcso.us

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On June 29, 2014, at about 1:55 a.m. a shooting was reported to Metro 911.  The incident occurred on Fawn Lane in Tornado, WV.  A 16 year old male from Charleston was shot in the lower back.  He was transported to Charleston Area Medical Center’s General Division for treatment.  His injury was described as non-life-threatening.

The shooting happened at a large party and bon fire on property on Fawn Lane.  Witnesses estimated the party attracted 60-70 vehicles at one point.  During the party at least one altercation occurred resulting in the shooting.

Deputies with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office responded and secured the scene and began interviewing witnesses.  Detectives responded to gather evidence and continue with interviews. 

The investigation is on-going.  Anyone with information about the party or the shooting is asked to call 304-357-0169 or submit information through our website:  www.kanawhasheriff.us.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

There will be a graduation ceremony for the Kanawha County Drug Court Program July 3, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. in the Ceremonial Court Room 4 in the Kanawha County Courthouse.  

This will be Kanawha County’s 12th Drug Court Graduation.  Nine will graduate bringing the total number of graduates to sixty-five.  And there have now been six drug-free babies born while their mothers were in Drug Court programming. 

Please join Judge Bailey and the Drug Court staff for this ceremony honoring the graduates.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at about 10:30 p.m. a man was struck by a coal truck in the 2300 block of Cabin Creek Road.  Michael Gentry, 53 years old of Cabin Creek, WV, was near the roadway at his residence when he was struck by a passing coal truck.  Mr. Gentry’s left leg was caught between rear tires and dragged approximately one-quarter mile before being freed.  The striking coal truck continued traveling.

Mr. Gentry was seriously injured and initially in critical condition.  His left leg was amputated during surgery that night. 

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating the incident, and is seeking assistance from the public.  If you have information regarding this hit and run, please call 304-357-0169 or submit a tip through our website at www.kanawhasheriff.us. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

Deputies responded early this morning to a call in Cross Lanes on Orchard Avenue for a report of gunfire.

Deputies learned a homeowner came home and discovered his ex/current girlfriend home as well as an unknown male. Some sort of altercation took place, gunfire erupted and now one person is dead. The suspect barricaded himself in a bedroom before Kanawha Sheriff’s SWAT entered and took him into custody. The suspect was compliant to some SWAT demands and resistant to others. SWAT used a TASER device to help subdue the man and safely him into custody. The suspect was armed with a loaded handgun on his person.

The Kanawha Bureau of Investigation is on the scene now collecting evidence. The suspect is in police custody and will be arraigned before the Magistrate very soon.

Further details will be released when available.

Captain Sean Crosier

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

Special Operations Commander

Phone: (304) 545-8127

Kanawha Bureau of Investigation Detectives will be leaving KCSO HQ’s in a few minutes for Magistrate Court. They have in custody Dustin Wayne Bodkins, age 29 of Cross Lanes and are charging him with Murder in the death of Timothy Morris. Bodkins is also charged with Wanton Endangerment and he pointed a pistol at Lindsey Winans and made threats to kill her.

Captain Sean Crosier

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

Special Operations Commander

Phone: (304) 545-8127

We just learned that murder victim Timothy Morris is from the St. Albans area.

Captain Sean Crosier

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

Special Operations Commander

Phone: (304) 545-8127

Just a reminder…there will be a graduation ceremony for the Kanawha County Drug Court Program July 3, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. in the Ceremonial Court Room 4 in the Kanawha County Courthouse.  

This will be Kanawha County’s 12th Drug Court Graduation.  Nine will graduate bringing the total number of graduates to sixty-five.  And there have now been six drug-free babies born while their mothers were in Drug Court programming. 

Please join Judge Bailey and the Drug Court staff for this ceremony honoring the graduates.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On July 4, 2014, just before 2:00 a.m., Kanawha County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to Rand for a robbery.  The victim said he was robbed on Furman Avenue between Church and Raven Drives. 

The victim said he went to buy cigarettes at the 7-Eleven store, and was robbed of his remaining cash on his walk back home.  The suspect brandished a pistol and threatened to kill the 43 year old male victim if he did not give him all his money.

The suspect is described as a black male wearing a white t-shirt and a yellow ball-cap.  He was approximately 6 feet tall, of medium build, and had a light beard.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call 304-357-0169 or submit a tip through our website at www.kanawhasheriff.us.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On the afternoon of July 10, 2014 a white Toyota Camry was reportedly driving erratically through the City of Charleston on I-64.  The vehicle struck several cars in city limits.  The vehicle went north on I-79.  Metro 911 received reports indicating the vehicle was traveling in excess of 100 mph, and weaving in and out of traffic.

The vehicle caused three crashes outside of city limits, all of which are being worked by the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.  At the 7 mile-marker the vehicle itself crashed and rolled.  The driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected from the car.  He was taken to Charleston Area Medical Center’s General Division where he was later pronounced dead.

Crash reconstruction experts from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the crashes north of Charleston.  There were no injuries reported from the several crashes being worked by Sheriff’s Deputies.  Reconstruction experts from Charleston Police Department are working those within Charleston. 

The name of the involved driver is being withheld pending notification of his family.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On July 11, 2014 at approximately 8:50 p.m. a security guard at the Great Escape Theater at Nitro Marketplace called Metro 911 to report a disturbance.  Patrons leaving the theater told the guard about a man in one of the screening rooms who was threatening to shoot people during the movie. 

According to witnesses Tod Austin Ingram (52 years old of Cross Lanes, WV) was being disruptive, talking loudly, and arguing with people during the movie.  One witness asked him to be quiet and Mr. Ingram said he had a gun and threatened to shoot the witness.  He later threatened to fight him on the parking lot.

Kanawha County Deputy Sheriffs were dispatched to the scene.  As Deputies arrived the film was stopped and lights in the room were turned on.  Deputies arrested Mr. Ingram.  He was charged with making terroristic threats, a felony.  Mr. Ingram was arraigned at Kanawha County Magistrate Court, then remanded to South Central Regional Jail in lieu of $25,000.00 bail.  Mr. Ingram has also been arrested and convicted of driving under the influence and domestic violence charges in recent years, and is familiar to Kanawha County Deputy Sheriffs.

Many people were alarmed at the initial threat and left the theater.  Others left as Kanawha County Deputy Sheriffs made the arrest.  The investigating deputies ask for additional witnesses and victims to contact them today to assist in creating a thorough and accurate record of what happened.  Witnesses and victims are asked to call 304-357-0169 and leave contact information for the investigators.

The charge against Mr. Ingram is merely an accusation.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  Attached is a mug shot taken during his arrest.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

Below are some additional facts about last night’s arrest at the Great Escape Theatre in Nitro, WV.

Tod Austin Ingram was arrested after threatening to shoot at least one other person in the movie house.  During the search incident to his arrest no firearms were found on his person. 

The movie being shown was Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.  The Kanawha County Deputy Sheriffs investigating do not yet know how many tickets were sold, or how many people left prior to their arrival.  Several left as they arrived, but they estimated that number at fewer than ten.

After Mr. Ingram was arrested, and as he was being escorted out of the theater, customers broke into applause.  I heard this first from a witness, then from deputy sheriffs. 

It is unknown if Mr. Ingram has an attorney to represent him for this charge.  Again, as is always the case in criminal matters, the charge against Mr. Ingram is merely an accusation.  He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

None of the deputies recalled hearing anyone specifically reference the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado.  I spoke with one of the victims today who brought up that incident during our conversation.  He said it was on his mind when he was threatened.  That victim was watching the movie with his wife and adult son.  He said he was given a voucher from the theater management to return and watch the movie at another time.  And when asked if he was willing to be interviewed by a journalist he said he would rather not.

The investigating deputies are still interested in interviewing additional witnesses and victims.  We ask for them to call 304-357-0169 and leave contact information.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

Eastbound lanes of U.S. Route 60 near Hughes Creek is shut down at this time, effective 5:50 p.m.  Metro 911 received reports of a motorcycle crash in the area at approximately 5:43 p.m.  One witness reported to the 911 operators the cyclist struck a deer.  The driver of the motorcycle was pronounced dead.

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office is on scene with other first responders.  The crash is under investigation and more information may be released later tonight or tomorrow morning.

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us

On July 12, 2014, at approximately 7:44 a.m. a crash was reported to Metro 911 in the area of Sissonville Drive and White Oak Drive in the Sissonville area of Kanawha County, WV.  A caller reported seeing a crash in his rearview mirror.  He said he saw another vehicle traveling north travel across the road’s southbound lane, off the roadway, and into a garage in a curve.

Corporal A. J. Miller of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the scene, and arrived within about ten minutes.  He reported seeing a Chevrolet Malibu in the garage.  Airbags in the vehicle deployed during the crash.

The driver, Robert Sevor, was on scene being treated by medics from the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority.  He was later transported to the Charleston Area Medical Center’s General Division.  He told Corporal Miller he fell asleep while driving after working the previous night.  There were no skid marks or other evidence to indicate otherwise.  No alcohol or drug use was suspected. 

–

Corporal B. D. Humphreys

Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office

301 Virginia Street East,

Charleston WV 25301

desk:  304-357-0732 / cell:  304-951-7328

Follow us on Twitter:  @kanawhasheriff

www.kanawhasheriff.us