Charities robbed of $2,000+

Someone stole more than $2,000 from a 2016 Farmington Poker Run that was intended for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia and the Farmington Fire Department.

No one has been caught.

Donna Costello, who was mayor at the time and currently serves on council, put the locked cash box with the biker registration money in the freezer of the town’s community building, which also was used as a food serving area, where participants and volunteers could get something to eat during the festivities.

That’s where she has put the money for 14 years.

This time, someone served themselves to more than $2,000.

 

Make-A-Wish got $1,000 from other money raised that was not in the lockbox. The Farmington Fire Department got nothing.

Marion County’s serial car thief is dead

Philip Rhoades, 28, charged with stealing at least nine autos, including jumping from one to another stolen car while being chased by police, died after being shot by Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies Wednesday, August 2.

Philip Rhoades

Deputies pursued Rhoades, who was in a stolen Jeep Wrangler, on August 2.

At least three stolen cars tied to Rhoades were grabbed in Mill Fall in a week's time.

Rhoades was wanted in connection with a series of pursuits on July 25 and August 2 in Marion County. He was facing 22, according to the Marion County Magistrate Clerk’s Office.

On July 25, police discovered Rhoades at a residence on Little Mill Fall Road. He had been living at a home without the owner’s permission, according to the criminal complaint.

He fled in a white truck registered to Dominion Energy that had been stolen from a Goshen Road worksite in Monongalia County. Upon his initial flight from police, the Marion County Sheriff’s Department reports Rhoades “recklessly drove at [the] deputy.” That, in turn, forced the deputy to jump out of the way of the oncoming vehicle.

The July 25 pursuit took Rhoades through a number of rural Marion County neighborhoods, including Worthington and Monongah. During the course of the pursuit, he is accused of stealing at least four vehicles.

Rhoades crashed the white truck registered to Dominion Energy on Little Mill Fall Road. While fleeing on foot, he is then accused of stealing a Ford Explorer from a nearby residence. Rhoades was pursued through Monongah, but police ended that pursuit out of fear for the public’s safety.

Rhoades led another Sheriff’s Deputy on a pursuit along U.S. 19, which also included driving through private yards and eventually into Roger’s Village Trailer Court. He then crashed the Explorer while trying to gain access to the rail trail at Everson Bridge.

Rhoades then stole a GMC truck and traveled the trail toward Worthington, according to the criminal complaint. The vehicle became inoperable when Rhoades attempted to drive it through a field.

He stole a fourth vehicle, a white Suzuki, before escaping his police pursuers.

The second pursuit was initiated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on August 2 near the Mannington area. Rhoades was said to be driving a stolen Jeep Wrangler. He was pursued into the Parrish Run Road area, which is where the shooting occurred.

West Virginia State Police is investigating.

Vultures swoop through ‘Pizza Man’ home after he passed away

After former Fairmont “The Pizza Man” owner Joe Rudy passed away July 12, vultures swept in and grabbed nearly everything in his house where he lived with his mother and son, 11.

Cindy Clara Gordon Shanford wrote:

“My cousin, Joe Rudy, of Fairmont WV passed away on July 12, 2017. Before he was even cremated you so-called friends stole his property.

“Please return the items you removed from his house that belonged to him, his elderly mother and 11-year-old son. Place all the items: wallet, cellphone, tools, games, TVs, iPads, furniture, ladders, etc. on his front porch. Thank you.”

The Facebook post created a lot of outrage, of course. Thieves routinely check obituary notices to see when homes are likely to be vacant (during funeral services, for example) and thus easy to rob.

Joe Rudy was born in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. His family included children Sarah Rudy of Philadelphia, Nicole Rudy of Cornelius, North Carolina, Peyton Fritts of Fairmont and Tyler Dawson of Elkins, his sister Sheree Evans of Scottsdale, Pennsylvania and his late brother, Mike Rudy.

Harbert Funeral Home in Salem, West Virginia handled Joe’s arrangement.

Joe's obituary:

Joseph Edward Rudy
(February 15, 1960 - July 12, 2017)

Joseph Edward Rudy, 57 of Fairmont departed this life on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 in Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown. He was born on February 15, 1960 in Jeannette, PA a son of Catherine Exton Rudy, Jeannette, PA and the late Joseph Rudy.

Surviving are two daughters, Sarah Rudy, Philadelphia, PA, Nicole Rudy, Cornelius, NC, two sons, Peyton Fritts, Fairmont, Tyler Dawson, Elkins, one sister, Sheree Evans, Scottdale, PA. He was preceded in death by one brother, Mike Rudy.

Mr. Rudy was the former owner of "The Pizza Man", Bridgeport/Fairmont. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was a loving father to his son Peyton and will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

At his request he was cremated. A private memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Harbert Funeral Home is privileged to serve the Rudy family.

Surveillance video
of Fairmont robbery

Fairmont bank’s robber pleads guilty

Christine Martin, 31, of Davisville pleaded guilty to robbing banks in Fairmont, Washington County, Pennsylvania and Athens County, Ohio.

She got $2,000 in November from the Huntington Bank on Adams Street, $350 at the WesBanco Bank in Pennsylvania and $2,150 at the People’s Bank in Ohio.

She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for each robbery.

Davisville is near Parkersburg in Wood County.

13 years later, Four States girl's killer roams free

Does someone in Four States know who murdered 16-year-old Nicole Markley in 2003?

William Hammond was charged with first degree murder six months after Nicole’s death, but prosecutors dropped the charges five months later.

Nicole Markley

Nicole’s mother, Sherry Quinn, posted on Monday:

“Wanted to say thanks to my husband Jeff Quinn and Nicole's son and Steven and my grandkids and Justin and all the family that helped at Nicole's memorial. To keep it nice and her memory alive. Love you all so much. Thank you isn't enough and for all the love and support from you all.”

Georgia Quinn is Nichole’s sister and Sherry and Jeff’s daughter.

 

The WBOY-TV article about Nichole’s murder:

 

By Melissa Murray, WBOY-TV Marion & Taylor County Reporter

 

It is a fourteen year-long nightmare playing on repeat.

Sherry Quinn's daughter, Nicole Markley, went missing in late January 2003 at the age of 16. That is when an all-out search started in their hometown of Four States, just outside of Worthington.

"I remember just all of us being in the back of trucks looking for her in ditches, up along streets, anywhere we could go, walking the hills," said Terri Harris, Markley’s cousin.

About two weeks later, on February 1, 2003, a hunter found her body face down in the Teverbaugh Creek.

Three months later, the Marion County Sheriff at that time warned the public of how serious the case was.

"We are investigating this as a homicide," former Sheriff Junior Slaughter said.

12 News reported that autopsy results revealed her cause of death was drowning and deputies said they were confident Markley was murdered.
In July of 2003, 20-year-old William Hammond was charged with first degree murder after deputies then said he tried to rape Markley and then drowned her. Prosecutors dropped those charges against the Four States resident five months later.

In December of 2003, Former Marion County Prosecuting Attorney, Susan Riffle, said "We felt the case needed more investigation.  We felt the best thing for the victim and for justice was to dismiss the indictment without prejudice."

"I flipped out. I couldn't believe it," said Christine Hall, Markley’s Aunt, about the charges being dropped.

No further charges have been filed in the case.

"There’s still no justice for her and they still get to live out here in life and do what they want and possibly hurt someone again. There is no reason in this world that anyone should have a right to take someone else's life," Quinn said.

Detective Kevin Alkire said people in the community of Four States are staying tight-lipped.

"I would say probably someone in Four States, or more than one individual, probably has information about this case and we can just hope one day they'll come forward," Alkire said.

Now, the family remembers Markley through visits to her memorial.

"Every day we wonder, you know, is today the day that they're going to find something out and let her rest finally after fourteen years. Let her son have closure after fourteen years," Harris said.

Markley’s mother said her daughter's death will always haunt her.

"It's horrifying,” Quinn said. “You never look at the world the same again. You watch everyone else's kids when you're out. You watch your kids."

Her simple absence is what hurts the most, she said.

"It’s like a piece of you is gone. There’s no way to get it back," Quinn explained.

Family members have mixed emotions about whether the case will ever be closed.

"I’m confident they're going to solve it," Hall said.

"I pray that they solve it but really I’ve lost confidence in the system," Harris said.

Det. Alkire said no matter how long it takes, they will continue to investigate.

"It hasn't been forgotten. She’s not forgotten and we're doing everything that we can to come to a resolution," Alkire said.

Nicole’s mother said she thanks everyone who has showed love and support to her family, and that there is not a day that goes by that she does not think of Nicole. For now, she tries to keep the memories she has alive.

"Her smile. How kind she was to everybody. She enjoyed life. That’s what i'm wanting them to remember," Quinn said.

Anyone with information regarding the murder of Nicole Markley is asked to call the Marion County Sheriff’s Department at 304-367-5300.

Not what Yanero family intended

Elwood Toll, ever alert even though he is Class of 1951 and will be 85 in November, 1 year older than me on my Nov. 5 84th birthday, corrects my story on the Country Club Motor Lodge’s heritage.

Elwood’s email:

“John, the Mazza family didn't build Country Club Motor Lodge. Mike Yanero did.
Dominc Mazza built Avenue Motor Court on Fairmont Avenue.”

Thanks, Elwood. Stay sharp, just like Gillette Blue Blades. (Remember that slogan?)

Here's the corrected version, thanks to Elwood.

Country Club Motel in Fairmont, which was built originally by the Yanero family, became the site of a disreputable situation Thursday.

Two women from Pittsburgh had FOUR HUNDRED AND FIFTY BAGS OF HEROIN stashed in their room, police said.

Bridgeport Police and members of the Greater Harrison County and Violent Crimes Task Force said they watched Jalisa “Ashley” Hawkins and Breona Williams engage in a transaction with a known drug dealer at the Clarksburg Walmart.

Police confronted the trio and recovered five stamps of heroin sold in the transaction, they said.

So the cops got a search warrant and the Three Rivers Drug Task Force (out of Pittsburgh, of course) went into the two women’s Country Club Motel room and found nine bricks of heroin (which can create 450 bags of the drug that is killing thousands of Americans).

Hawkins and Williams were charged with distribution of heroin and conspiracy for the incident at Walmart and will be charged in Marion County for possession with intent to deliver. 

According to Bridgeport Police, Hawkins already is on bond involving a drug investigation by the Harrison County SCAD unit. 

Police shoot pair outside Muriale’s

Fairmont police, after getting a report of a vehicle stolen in Harrison County, shot the occupants in the vehicle in the Muriale’s Restaurant parking lot Wednesday night.

The male driver was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital by ambulance and the female occupant to Fairmont Regional Medical Center.

Both occupants had warrants for their arrests. 

West Virginia State Police will investigate the shooting.

Cooking up stupidity

Be careful when you’re driving near Worthington. A rolling meth lab might blow up in the car next to you.

Idiotic? Yes. But police arrested 4 people in a car that was cooking meth. Honestly.

During a traffic stop, Marion County Sheriff's Deputies found the dangerous cookery actively creating a meth potion.

The traffic stop took place on U.S. Route 19 near Whitecotten Store near Worthington.

The road was shut down and the area of the vehicle was evacuated due to the danger presented by the active lab in the beginning stages of cooking meth.

The passengers were driving down the road while pouring Coleman fuel and lithium into a plastic bottle. Honestly.

Sounds like the Darwin theory at work.

Arrested were Travis Ray Canaday, 23, of Clarksburg; Robert McNeil, 21; Justin Edward Reed, 25, of Clarksburg; and Marie Ann Sandy, 34, of Wyatt. They were taken to the Worthington Volunteer Fire Department to be decontaminated.

Violent crime down

Violent crime in Marion County is down 22% for 2014, from 85 to 66. Assaults showed the largest drop.

Pat Wilson, Marion County Prosecuting Attorney, says that drugs, which lead to violence, as the top problem in the violent crime numbers.

Don’t let phony water dept. workers into your Marion County home

Marion County Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Ralph Wright reports that men in a white van are going to area residences, posing as water department employees and, while one of the men (reportedly of Mexican descent) talks to residents and keeps them occupied, the other men burglarize the houses.

The men have not shown identification and communicate through radio.

If you have any information, contact Detective Alkire at (304) 367-5300.

Fairmont CVS robbed

An armed gunman Thursday night robbed the Marion Square CVS in Fairmont. He stole medicine and narcotics and an undisclosed amount of cash.

He’s still on the loose.

Marion Square is west of Locust Avenue on Country Club Road.

Dr. Edita Milan

Fairmont pill mill doctor guilty

Fairmont Dr. Edita Milan, 75, was convicted in Clarksburg federal court of unlawfully distributing prescription painkillers through her Bridgeport medical practice.

United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II said her “prescribing practices led to multiple overdose deaths.”

To read the article, click on http://www.wdtv.com/wdtv.cfm?func=view&section=5-News&item=Bridgeport-Doctor-Convicted-in-Painkiller-Distribution-Network-20209

Armed robbery in Worthington

By Kaitryn Wetzel, WBOY-TV Producer

The Marion County Sheriff's Department is searching for two men that held a person at gun point on Wednesday afternoon.
The armed robbery happened just after 3 p.m., according to Deputy Steve Garrett. A person stopped to help two white men while they were standing over the hood of a Suburu pulled over in a church parking lot just past the Handi-Mart on Helen's Run Road in Worthington. The Suburu was an older model, and is light blue or green in color.
The two men were standing in front of the car over the hood, and when the person approached the men to help, one of the men pulled out a gun and demanded money.
They fled from the scene on Route 218 heading towards Farmington with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The first suspect is believed to be in his early 20's, about 5'10”, and weighs about 150 pounds. He was wearing blue jeans, and a gray hoodie.
The second suspect looks to be about 40 years old or a little younger. The suspect has dark hair, a beard without a mustache, and was wearing a dark coat, and a ball cap. According to Deputy Garrett, he's about 220 pounds, and 6'2”. The second suspect was armed with a small handgun.
Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to call Deputy Garrett at the Marion County Sheriff's Department at 304-367-5300.

Robbery spree in Fairmont

by Rachel McDevitt  WDTV.com

Marion County law enforcement agencies said they are wrapping up their investigation of the seven robberies that have happened over the last month.

That amount of robberies is unusual for a town like Fairmont, but while it's attracting attention, it isn't sending residents into a panic.

"It's just kind of like confirmation that crime rate's still here, it's everywhere. It's something, definitely, to be aware about and be informed of," said Fairmont resident Devin Freeman.

However, the incidents can cause concern, and it does make them aware of a problem, just like you see in cities everywhere.

"It's pretty shocking," said Fairmont State student and Preston County Resident Andrea Marshall. "I wouldn't want to go out and get gas by myself now."

"I'm not under any illusions that this is a crime-less town, or that there's even very little crime here," said Monongalia County resident Thomas White. "My perspective of Fairmont is that it's much like many other densely populated places."

This string of robberies started at the end of September with two fast food restaurant robberies in one night. In both cases, a black man walked in with a gun and ordered employees to the ground. In the weeks since, a suspect described as short, black man has been involved in five more robberies; three at a Circle K on Morgantown Avenue, and two at separate Exxon stations. Officers said even though so many have happened in a short span it doesn't mean this trend will continue.

"It's no different than any other crime, you'll have like spurts," said Chief Deputy of the Marion County Sheriff's Department Ralph Wright. "It doesn't mean it's going to happen every day."

One arrest has been made in the robberies, but police said there are more players in these incidents. These suspects have gotten away with hundreds of dollars.

Managers at stores that have been hit are telling their employees to stay alert, because a robbery could happen at any time. Employees at the McDonald's that was robbed now check to see if anyone is left inside before they lock up, and no one can go outside alone after 9 p.m.

Police said businesses should take precautions, like keeping the area well lit, especially in areas where potential criminals could hide. Being aware is a big part of staying safe.

"Make it harder for the criminal to actually commit a crime," Wright said.

Three businesses robbed in Fairmont in one week

By Chrystal Phillips, WBOY-TV Morning Producer

Authorities responded Friday morning to an armed robbery at a Circle K in Marion County. According to Marion County dispatchers, it happened around 3 a.m. at the Circle K on Morgantown Avenue in Fairmont.

Fairmont police said the robber got away with an undisclosed amount of cash. He is described as a black man.

The Fairmont Police Department is investigating. The Marion County Sheriff's Office assisted on scene.

This is the third armed robbery in Fairmont in the last week. Investigators are using surveillance video to identify whoever robbed the KFC on Speedway Avenue and the McDonald's on Fairmont Avenue within hours of each other.

No additional information is being released at this time.

Fairmont Man Get 1-5 Years for Sexual Abuse of Boy

By Emily Gallgher, Fairmont Times West Virginian

David Lemley of Fairmont was sentenced to one to five years in prison Tuesday after he pled guilty to sexual abuse in the first degree. Lemley was arrested in February 2012 for having sexual contact with a 13-year-old boy while the victim was at his house.

Marion County Judge David Janes also sentenced Lemley to 30 years of probation once he is released from the one- to five-year sentence. Lemley is credited for time served.

When asked if Lemley wanted to say anything, he stood, visibly shaking, and replied, “I’m sorry.”

Lemley’s attorney Roger Curry requested that Lemley be sentenced to home confinement.

Prior to the sentencing, Marion County Assistant Prosecutor Brandon Flower called the victim to the stand to testify. The victim, now 16 years old, read to the court a statement he prepared.
“I cannot tell you how I have waited for this day,” the victim read. “On that day I became a victim, along with many more kids in this world. On that day my life changed.”

The victim continued, stating that because of the “man who did this to (him)” his decisions in life have been impacted. The victim stated that he has gotten in trouble with the law involving alcohol and drugs.

“I tried to cope with drugs and alcohol,” he told the court. The victim said that Lemley should be locked up to “help kids like (him) be safe.”

“I’m here today to tell you I’m not a victim; I’m a survivor,” the boy said.

Flower requested that Lemley be sentenced to prison and 30 years probation following his release. Flower made the argument that, because the incident occurred in Lemley’s home, he should not be sentenced to home confinement.

“(Lemley) will be in his 70s when off probation and hopes to not be a danger then,” Flower told Janes.
Janes said that Lemley must register as a sexual offender for the rest of his life when released from incarceration. Lemley also must pay court costs and attorney fees within five years of being out of prison.

Man Wanted for Fairmont, Clarksburg Sex Crimes 

Jeremy Maple

West Virginia State Police need your help locating a man wanted on multiple sexual related crimes.

Jeremy Matthew Marple, 32, is believed to be traveling between Clarksburg and Fairmont.  Marple is approximately 5'9'' and 145 lbs with green eyes and brown hair, according to state police.

Marple is wanted on 14 felony counts including various sexual related crimes including sexual assault, sexual abuse by a parent or guardian, attempted sexual assault, plus probation violations.

If you have information about Marple or his location, contact Sgt. A.J. Shingler of the Sutton detachment at 304-765-2101 or call your local West Virginia State Police detachment.

Worthington Man Charged with Child Neglect

By Kim Freda, WBOY-TV Assignment Editor

The Marion County Sheriff's Department arrested Kenneth Dale Sines, Jr., 41, of Worthington on child neglect charges. 

Sines beat his son, age 6, and daughter, age 7, with a leather belt, leaving them swollen, bruised, and bloody,  according to a criminal complaint filed by Deputy Brian Speakman.  

Sines is in North Central Regional Jail in lieu of $300,000 bail.

Latiesha Meade, 28, of Fairmont also is behind bars after police said she was found walking around town with her children at 4 a.m. Wednesday while she was drunk. Her children are 6 years old and 7 months old.

Man arrested for Fairmont bank robbery

By Kim Freda, WBOY-TV Assignment Editor

Fairmont Police arrested William “Billy” Amos after Thursday’s bank robbery at Wes Banco in Fairmont.  Police were called to the scene at approximately 10:12 a.m. near Marion Square.

West Virginia State Police Trooper McDougal located the man's car, a blue Ford Taurus shortly after the robbery near Little Vegas on Route 19.  Fairmont Police Chief Kelley Moran said Amos robbed the bank at knifepoint and fled with an unspecified amount of money.  

Police said Amos said he left a bomb outside of the bank and a K9 unit cleared the area of explosives.  The bank is expected to be closed for business for the day. Trooper McDougal told 12 News that Amos admitted to robbing the Wes Banco.

The Huntington Bank at White Oaks in Harrison County was robbed on Monday, July 7.  The vehicle used in that robbery was described by Bridgeport Police as a "light blue Buick style vehicle".  No arrests have been made in that case.

The FBI responded to the scene.