Judge Anita Harold Ashley held Circuit Court in Calhoun County on Tuesday, August 6th, 2025 Hearing the following cases:
In the matter 25-F-12 State v. Otis Dewayne Smith (Manufacturing a Controlled Substance), Attorney Hunter S.. Burdette of the Public Defender’s Corporation requested and was approved for a continuation for Mr. Smith due to Health Issues. The next hearing is scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on September 3rd, 2025.
In cases 25-F-13, State vs. Brittany Dawn Shelley and 25-F-14 State v. Paul J. Hunter, co-defendants,(Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy to Commit a Violation of Chapter 60A), Cases were scheduled for 9:30 a.m. with both defense Attorney’s present, Hunter S. Burdette, PDC and Calvin C. Honaker. The defendants however were not present. Shelley was to be transported by a facility and Paul Hunter was to arrive on his own. A capias was issued for Hunter but was later rescinded when both Defendants appeared and reported to have been stopped in road construction. Both cases were continued for trial October 21st, 2025 at 9 a.m.
Zachary Earl Freshour charged with Strangulation and Domestic Battery 2nd Offense, appeared before Judge Ashley for a Pre-Trial conference. Having no issues the case was set for trial on October 21st, 2025 at 9 a.m.
Abby Jolynn Sutphin appeared with council Hunter Burdette and Craig Mills for a pretrial conference having been charged with Child Neglect creating Risk of Serious Bodily Injury or Death x2, DUI with Unemancipated Minor (a Misdemeanor). The case having no issues was continued for October 21st, 2025 at 9 a.m.
State of West. Virginia Vs. Charter B. Badgett, Jr. (Sexual abuse in the first degree and Sexual abuse by person in a position of trust to a child, was set for a status hearing. The case has now been continued for trial on October 21st, 2025 at 9 a.m. with a pre-trial conference set for September 3rd, 2025 at 11:15 a.m.
Edward Fields appeared before Judge Ashley and requested a reconsideration of sentence in 24 F 16, having been convicted of Grand Larceny and Entry of a Building other than a Dwelling. Mr. Fields explained to the Judge through his attorney that he is currently struggling with the terminal illness of his girlfriend and requested to be released onto home confinement to spend time with her. Prosecuting Attorney Michael Hicks reported that although he was sympathetic to his reasoning, he did not feel that the charges warranted an alternative sentencing or probation. Judge Ashley agreed and the request was denied.
