Judge Anita Harold Ashley convened Circuit Court on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 covering many of the arraignments from the previous day’s indictments.
Dale Shannon Corder, charged in 25-F-25 with Fraudulent Registration, No Insurance, No MVI and Invalid registration, appeared for arraignment. Due to some previous confusion as to his being in custody, the matter was continued for January 14th, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. Bond of $100.00 transferred from Calhoun Magistrate Court. Corder is represented by the Public Defender Corp, Attorney Hunter Burdette.
James Darrell Villers in 26-f-1 and 26-F-10, appeared by indictment for the charges of Possession with Intent to Deliver, Conspiracy and Escape. Attorney assigned was John Balenovich who did not attend the arraignment. Judge Ashley noted that it was not required that the defendant have an attorney present for first appearance. Mr. Villers requested a new attorney, but Prosecuting Attorney Hicks said that it was really too soon to make that judgement. Judge Ashley agreed, stating that there is currently a shortage of court appointed attorneys and that the co-defendant is already represented by the the Public Defender’s Corporation. The defendant, Mr. Villers requested that his “medical marijuana card” be returned to which Judge Ashley responded that there would be no usage of marijuana allowed during a felony case. Bond of $100,000 transferred from Magistrate Court. The defendant also requested a consideration for bond reduction which Judge Ashley said would be heard at the next hearing. Case set for entry of plea on January 14, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
In the matter of 26-F-02 State v. Deanna Louise Nelson, charged with felony possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance and conspiracy, the defendant did not appear.
Ridgeview News asked Prosecuting Attorney Michael Hicks why several of the defendants did not appear for arraignment and was informed that they had possibly not been served and their cases were continued for the 14th of January, 2026.
Those not appearing were:
- State vs. Ronnie Lee Hannah and Christina L. Hannah, 26-F-03 and 26-F-04, charged with Manufacturing of a controlled substance and Conspiracy did not appear.
- 26-F-05, State v. Shannon Nelson charged with Fleeing with reckless Indifference, Possession of a Controlled substance, and Improper registration. As well as
- Bryan Joseph Duskey 26-F-06, charged with Fleeing in a vehicle with reckless indifference, fleeing in a vehicle while DUI, Driving on a Revoked license for DUI 3rd offense, Reckless Driving 3rd offense, and Destruction of property.
- 26-F-07 State v. John Wesley James charged with: Burglary, Entry of a building other than a dwelling, Possession of a controlled substance (Methamphetamine) , Possession of a controlled substance (Marijuana), Petit Larceny, Possess of a firearm by prohibited person, Count 2 of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, Obstructing an officer,
Robby Franklin Lamp appeared without appointed council, John Balenovich, having been charged in 26-F-08 and 26-F-09 for Possession of a controlled substance and Escape from custody. Bond transferred from Magistrate Court of $285,000 cash only. Plea entry set for January 14, 2026 at 9:10 a.m.
Angel Dawn Grimmit charged with Grand Larceny and Burglary in case numbers 26-F-11 and 26-F-12 appeared. She is still incarcerated on a $50,000 bond that was transferred from Magistrate Court. Her plea entry will be on January 14th, 2026 at 9:20 a.m.
Although a transport order had been filed for Daniel Mark Johnson, Incarcerated at the WV Central Regional Jail, Mr. Johnson was not brought with the other inmates. He did appear by teams, but requested a continuance for time with his court appointed attorney, Hunter Burdette, PDC. Johnson was charged in 25-F-26. Entry of building other than a dwelling, Grand Larceny and Destruction of Property. The Case was continued for January 14th, 2026.
Noah Richard Tribioli appeared in person having been indicted for Filing Charge, 4 counts – Murder Defined – 1st and 2nd degree, 2 counts of attempted murder, and 2 counts of malicious assault. Tribioli is incarcerated on a $50,000 bond and no bond. A notable matter of interest is that he appeared in court with a cast on his right arm below the elbow. He appeared with attorney Hunter Burdette and entered a plea of Not guilty. Disclosure was sought from the State by the defense and the State requested an early pretrial date to the April 14th, 2026 trial date; this due to the voluminous amount of discovery to be reviewed. A pretrial will be held on March 5th, 2026 at 9 a.m.
Michael Perry Richards appeared before Judge Ashley in the matter of cases 25-F-6 and 25-M-2. Mr. Richards was incarcerated after having failed to appear on multiple occasions. Having been charged and convicted of Receiving or Transferring Stolen Property Mr. Richards were scheduled for sentencing and a status hearing. The Prosecuting Attorney Michael Hicks requested the maximum sentence of 6 months. Judge Ashley sentenced Mr. Richards to the requested 6 months with credit for time served of 58 days.
Charter B. Badgett, Jr. appeared at 10 a.m. before Judge Ashley for a Competency hearing review in case 23-F-19. Badgett was charged with Sexual Abuse by a Parent or Guardian. He was found not competent to stand trial, or restorable due to dementia. The case was continued for a danger evaluation and assessment. He is currently released on bond.
Zachary Earl Freshour appeared before Judge Ashley in the matter of 25-F-19, where he pled guilty to 2nd offense domestic battery and interfering with emergency services. Mr. Freshour faces up to a year in jail and fines.The case was continued for sentencing on March 5th, 20 26 at 11:00 a.m.
Cody Miller, currently housed in the WV Central Regional Jail, having been charged with Intimidation of a public officer, fleeing and obstructing an officer in felony case number 25-F-35 and misdemeanor cases 25-M-00224 and 25-M-225 was found not competent to stand trial. When asked why he was still being held in the WV Central Regional Jail, Prosecutor Michael Hicks stated that they have been unable to find a bed at any facility. His attorney reported that Mr. Miller had extreme difficulty with jail safety and food issues and need placed outside of the Central Regional Jail. Judge Ashley suggested that the state be brought into the case to discuss the critical need.
