3 counts sexual assault 1st waived to grand jury

A man accused of three counts of first degree sexual assault waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Thursday before Mingo County Magistrate Dee Sidebottom.

According to the criminal complaint filed in Mingo County Magistrate Court, John Elkins, between the dates of Jan. 1, 2008 and Feb. 28, 2009, allegedly engaged in a sexually intrusion with the victim, his 11-year-old grand daughter, on at least three separate occasions.

Elkins’ case will was sent to the Mingo County grand jury.

Senior Trooper D.J. Chapman is investigating officer on the case.

Delbarton man waives preliminary in burglary case

A Delbarton man accused of burglary waived his right to a preliminary hearing on Thursday.

The criminal complaint filed in Magistrate Court stated that, Thur-man Dwayne Hin-kle, of Delbarton, was arrested after officers were called to Herbert Harmon’s Trailer Park, located in Varney, for burglary.

According to eyewitnesses, Hinkle, and his brother Gregory Wolford, were seen forcefully entering a residence belonging to Larry Hatfield, who was not at home.

Witnesses also told police that Wolford was seen leaving the residence carrying what appeared to be two white boxes and a black garbage bag. Witnesses stated that Hatfield had left the residence with his nine-year-old son, walking south on U.S. Rt. 52 towards Horsepen.

Investigating Officer C.A. Douglas apprehended Hinkle and Wolford later that night. Hinkle was charged with burglary and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Mingo County Chief Magistrate Eugene Crum arraigned the defendant, where he received a $10,000 cash bond.

Hinkle remains in custody at Southwestern Regional Jail.

Morris pleads to DUI

A man accused of third offense DUI, pled before Mingo County Magistrate Dee Sidebottom on Thursday.

Leslie P. Morris, of Omar, was arrested on November 5, 2009, after allegedly crossing the center line while traveling southbound on W.Va. Route 52, almost striking a police cruiser, driven by Mingo County Sheriffs’ Cpl N. Mines.

The criminal complaint filed in Magistrate Court stated the officer then turned around in pursuit of Morris, witnessing him driving in the wrong lane. Mines then attempted to perform a traffic stop, however, Morris continued driving south, passing three separate places sufficient for him to stop.

Morris failed to comply with the officer even after receiving a verbal command over the cruiser’s P.A. system, records state.

Morris was arrested for DUI third offense, fleeing-while DUI, reckless driving and driving left of center. Morris pled to second offense DUI and received six months in jail.

Delbarton Chief of Police Daniel Slone assisted in the arrest.