Thomas Roberts, in case number 24F17, charged with Failure to Meet Obligation for a Minor (Child Support), entered a guilty plea in Calhoun Circuit Court today, April 10th, 2025. He faces 1 to 3 years imprisonment, and a fine of $100-1000 in fines or both. Prosecuting Attorney Michael Hicks told Judge Ashley that he did not oppose an alternative sentence if the defendant would provide financial information and establish a monthly payment.
Judge Ashley asked Roberts to explain what he did that he was pleading guilty to, which he responded, “I paid some child support, but not enough.” Roberts was in arrears nearly $100,000. When Judge Ashley asked Mr. Roberts if he understood the results of a felony guilty plea, including the loss of the right to own a fire arm, he assured her he did. She asked him “If his mind was clear,” to which he responded, “Not really, I lost my daughter this week.”
Judge Ashley gave her condolences to the defendant.
Defense Attorney Keisha D. May requested that due to the circumstances, Roberts be released to attend his daughter’s funeral. Judge Ashley agreed provided that he could pay the $50.00 deposit and make a payment arrangement for the first month’s costs of home confinement which is $350.00. She instructed that the matter of payment had to be taken care of immediately upon leaving the jail or he would be arrested and returned.
Roberts case is continued for June 12, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. for sentencing. Probation Officer Alecia Lawson will provide a pre-sentence investigation report.
In the matter of the State of West Virginia vs. Brian Lee Husk, 20-f-29, Husk appeared on a motion to revoke or extend. As a probationary condition in a child Abuse and neglect case, the defendant had agreed to provide notification within 24 hours of changes in employment as well as other issues. On January 14th, 2025 the defendant went to work for a drilling company and waited until his next probation appointment before advising Alecia Lawson, Probation Officer of his status of employment.
Prosecuting Attorney Michael Hicks stated that his 10 year probationary period was just beginning and the State did now want to understate the seriousness of the complaint.
Attorney Keisha D. May informed the judge that Brian Husk did not deny his mistake and showed a lot of remorse For this first violation. Mr. Husk expressed his concern of losing his job and asked that Judge Ashley extend mercy, allowing any sentencing to be done on the weekend when he didn’t have to work.
Judge Ashley told Mr. Husk that he was to report to the WV Central Regional Jail on Friday, April 11th, 2025 at 6 p.m. where he will remain until Sunday, April 13th, 2025 at 6 p.m. “This is serious and make sure you follow those rules or you’ll go back to prison,” Judge Ashley said. She told the defendant that she appreciated him working and becoming a contributing member of society.
