Judge Anita Harold Ashley had a full docket in Wednesday’s session of Calhoun County Circuit Court with a Civil case, multiple Juvenile and Criminal Cases throughout the day.
Thomas Leon Clover appeared with his Attorney, Daniel Minardi, in Case 22-F-5 charging him with Neglect of an Incapacitated Person Resulting in Injury. The case had been scheduled for a Pre-trial Conference, but due to United Hospital of Clarksburg’s failure to comply with providing the victim’s records, the case could not be heard. Judge Ashley continued the case for Trial on October 4th, with a pre-trial to be scheduled when the victim’s records were made available.
William Thomas Abicht, in a plea agreement, entered a plea of guilty to Unlawful Assault and Domestic Battery 2nd Offense in case number 22-F-25
Prior to his entry of plea, Judge Ashley made sure that Mr. Abicht knew the seriousness of his decision to plea in the matter, which means he will face a jail sentence of 1-5 years on count 1, $500 in fines, and 60 days jail and $1000 in fines on count 2. A guilty plea results in the loss of an opportunity to have his testimony heard before a jury, his right to appeal will be limited, his felony charge will prohibit him to own a firearm and he’ll be required to pay court cost. All of which he confessed understanding and agreed.
Prosecuting Attorney Nigel Jeffries read the complaint information stating that on March 31, 2022 a 3rd party had requested a wellness check on the victim. Troopers Taylor and Richards went to Pink Road where they discovered the victim with grotesque black eyes and injury to her neck but she was unwilling to testify. She did agree to go to the Emergency Room for evaluation and those records were obtained. It was later determined that Abicht had abused the victims multiple other times, abused her for several minutes up to an hour. The medical records and jail correspondence and phone calls showed that he had committed harm to her prior to this incident.
Judge Ashley informed the Defendant that the complaint information gave evidence to sustain his guilty plea and then ask Mr. Abicht to describe in his words what happened.
He stated that he laid hands on Jamie Bailey, and provided possible reasons of a loss of a family member, but said that he did have remorse, that it happened ”in the heat of the moment and he was sorry for what I’ve done.”
His attorney David B. Richardson stated that he believed the plea agreement was in the defendant’s best interest, so the plea of guilty was entered into record for William Thomas Abicht. He was returned to jail with his sentencing scheduled for Octobr 6th at 11 a.m.
Steven Bell appeared with attorney David Richardson in Case 21F13 for a status hearing. Mr. Bell is in the process of getting his license reinstated and to have his issues with the DMV taken care of. He will enter a plea agreement on October 6, at 9:30 a.m.
