Upshur County Grand Jury returns 24 indictments, ranging from drug charges to grand larceny

News Release
May 13, 2024

BUCKHANNON — An Upshur County Grand Jury returned 24 indictments on Monday, according to a press release from the prosecuting attorney’s office.

Angela Tenney, 60, of French Creek, was indicted for Obtaining Welfare Assistance by False Statements, a felony, one count.

Ericka Danielle Reed, 32, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Obtaining Welfare Assistance by False Statements, a felony, one count.

Zephanie Kay Hollister, 39, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Obtaining Welfare Assistance by False Statements, a felony, one count.

Christopher Robert Rodriguez, 37, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Entry of a Building Other than a Dwelling, a felony, one count; and Grand Larceny, a felony, one count.

Robert Carl Beam, Jr., 27, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Escape from Custody, a felony, one count; Destruction of Property, a misdemeanor, one count; Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, a misdemeanor, one count; Attempt to Flee by Means other than the Use of a Vehicle, a misdemeanor, one count; and Obstructing an Officer, a misdemeanor, one count.

Eli Jacob Beckner, 25, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Wanton Endangerment Involving a Firearm, a felony, six counts.

Larry Wayne Gregory, 58, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Failure to Provide Notice of a Change to Required Sex Offender Registration Information, Lifetime Registrant, Second Offense, a felony, one count.

Darnell Wayne McBride, 44, of Elkins, was indicted for Fleeing in a Vehicle with Reckless Indifference to the Safety of Others, a felony, one count; Fleeing by Means Other than the Use of a Vehicle, a misdemeanor, one count; and Driving while License Suspended or Revoked, Third Offense, a misdemeanor, one count.

Jacob Aaron Hilbert, 42, of French Creek, was indicted for Entry of a Building other than a Dwelling, a felony, one count; and Attempted Grand Larceny, a felony, one count.

Rebecca Brooke Day, 31, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Delivery of a Controlled Narcotic Substance, Fentanyl, a felony, two counts; and Possession of a Controlled Narcotic Substance with Intent to Deliver, Fentanyl, a felony, one count.

Thomas Denver Riley, 49, of French Creek, was indicted for Threats of Terroristic Acts, a felony, two counts.

Willliam Henry Cole, IV, 35, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Driving while License Revoked for DUI, Third or Subsequent Offense, a felony, one count.

Lita Angel Smallwood, 38, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver, Methamphetamine, a felony, one count; Attempt to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine, a felony, one count; Conspiracy to Violate Chapter 60A, Article 4, Section 401 of the West Virginia Code, a felony, one count; Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, a felony, one count; and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Concealed Firearm, a felony, two counts.

Billy Scott Heater, 33, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Receiving or Transferring Stolen Goods, a felony, one count.

Robert Carl Beam, Jr., 27, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Receiving or Transferring Stolen Goods, a felony, one count; Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, a misdemeanor, two counts; and Illegal Possession of Bald Eagle Parts, a misdemeanor, one count.

Michael Walter Phipps, 62, of French Creek, was indicted for Wanton Endangerment Involving a Firearm, a felony, four counts.

John Alfred Anderson, Jr., 44, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Gross Child Neglect Creating a Substantial Risk of Death or Serious Bodily Injury, a felony, two counts.

Elizabeth Janet Anderson, 35, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Gross Child Neglect Creating a Substantial Risk of Death or Serious Bodily Injury, a felony, two counts.

Patrick Stephen Carr, 34, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Fentanyl/Heroin, a felony, one count; and Conspiracy to Violate Chapter 60A, Article 4, Section 401 of the West Virginia Code, a felony, two counts.

Kenneth Cole Karickhoff, 32, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Conspiracy to Violate Chapter 60A, Article 4, Section 401 of the West Virginia Code, a felony, one count.

Joanie Lynn Hoge, 44, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Fentanyl in Combination with Heroin and Xylazine, a felony, one count; and Conspiracy to Violate Chapter 60A, Article 4, Section 401 of the W. Va. Code, a felony, one count.

Benjamin Emil Gain, 43, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver, Methamphetamine, a felony, one count; Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver, Dexmethylphenidate, a felony, one count; and Conspiracy to Commit a Violation of Chapter 60A, Article 4, Section 401 of the West Virginia Code, a felony, one count.

Derick Adam McVay, 40, of Buckhannon, was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver, Methamphetamine, a felony, one count; and Conspiracy to Commit a Violation of Chapter 60A, Article 4, Section 401 of the West Virginia Code, a felony, one count.

George Oliver Carpenter, 42, of French Creek, was indicted for Illegal Possession of Explosive Materials, a felony, one count.

Upshur County Prosecutor Bryan Hinkle’s office notes that “an indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.”