WILLIAMSON - With four guilty pleas to crimes entered in Mingo County Circuit Court Tuesday, the Mingo County prosecuting attorney's office achieved its 100th felony conviction this year.

Mingo Prosecuting Attorney C. Michael Spaks said this milestone is a Mingo County record for convictions in a calendar year and the year is only onehalf over.

He commended the dedicated officers of the West Virginia State Police, Williamson Police Department, Mingo County Sheriff's Department and Norfolk Southern Police Department.

A statistical breakdown for the above law enforcement agencies' cases resulting in felony convictions is as follows: WVSP - 44; WPD - 30; MCSD - 23, and NSPD - 3.

Sparks also commended the grand jury for its outstanding service and citizenship and his "excellent staff for meeting the challenge of such a considerable workload."

Finally, he commend Judge Michael Thornsbury, "whose work ethic sets the benchmark for other county officials." Sparks added, "With continued teamwork and unity of purpose, we will continue our quest to make Mingo County a safer place in which to live."

In the four proceedings Thursday, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Teresa D. Maynard represented the state of West Virginia.

Sentencings are scheduled for 8:45 a.m. on July 21 for the four defendants who entered guilty pleas Thursday. They are Melissa Meade, 36, Kermit; Alexandria Janean Hatcher, 19, Williamson; Dewey Glen Wolford, 49, Gilbert, and Cody James Rife, 21, Hanover.

- Meade pleaded guilty to attempt to deliver a Schedule III controlled substance (Hydrocodone), as charged in Information A09-F130. He is exposed to a

sentence of confinement in a state correctional facility for an indefinite term of not less than one year nor more than five years.

The prosecutor's office noted that Meade attempted to deliver a hydrocodone to an inmate in the Mingo County Magistrate Courtroom. Attorney Stacey Bowens represented Meade. Sgt. R.L. Hatfield of the Mingo County Sheriff's Department was the investigating officer.

- Hatcher entered a plea of guilty to unlawful assault, as charged in Information A09-F129. He is exposed to a sentence of confinement in a state correctional facility for an indefinite term of not less than one year nor more than five years.

Hatcher may also be sentenced as a youthful offender to Anthony Correctional Center for an indefinite erm of not less than six monhs nor more than two years. "The mission of the Anthony Center is to provide youthful offenders with a secure correctional environment that focuses on increased personal responsibility and accountability and attainment of tools necessary for long-term success," Sparks explained. Attorney Bowens represented Hatcher. Deputy R.B. Dotson was the primary investigating officer.

- Wolford pleaded guilty to possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance (Alprazolam) with intent to deliver, as charged in County III of a January 2009 indictment F92.

Wolford is exposed to a sentence of confinement in a state correctional facility for an indefinite term of not less than one year nor more than three years. Attorney Kathryn Cisco-Sturgell represented Wolford. Sgt. L.G. O'Bryan of the West Virginia State Police was the investigating officer.

- Rife pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact (uttering), as charged in Information A09-M2. He is exposed to a sentence of confinement in a regional jail facility for one year. Attorney Ronald J. Rumora represented Rife. State Police Sgt. O'Bryan was the investigating officer.