April Dawn Carpenter appeared before Judge Anita Harold Ashley on Wednesday, January 4th for an arraignment. She, appearing by Microsoft Teams and her attorney M. Joel Baker by phone entered a plea of not guilty in case 22F34 charging her with Grand Larceny and Conspiracy to commit a Felony.
At the request of her attorney a modification of bond was sought and denied by Judge Ashley following opposition by Prosecuting Attorney Nigel Jeffries. Attorney Baker requested the modification based on an acceptance to rehab for Ms. Carpenter at a treatment facility known as Lauren’s Wish in Clarksburg, WV. However, Judge Ashley could not find it on the court approved facilities list and Prosecutor Jeffries stated that he opposed any modification due to her prior actions of absconding. He further stated that she is facing a potential new charge of burglary, and during an incident two months ago at a Stinson residence, Ms. Carpenter hid in a closet, believing there was an active warrant for her. Another incident included that she had given false information to a law enforcement officer to assist another defendant in absconding. Mr. Jeffrey’s had no faith that she would appear for trial.
Judge Ashley denied the motion saying it was not in the best interest of society to have her released.
Trial date of February 14th, 2023 has been set.
