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Cops and Courts

Intermediate Court of Appeals hears Challenge Academy case

CHARLESTON — A former candidate at the Mountaineer Challenge Academy is trying to get a jury trial on claims that he was not properly cared for during his short time at the Kingwood-based academy, which is operated by the West Virginia National Guard. The case was argued before the state’s Intermediate Court of Appeals Wednesday. The plaintiffs are appealing a lower court ruling that found in favor of the academy on summary judgment, saying it had immunity from the lawsuit because the claims were not proven. Logan County resident Jason Ryan Moorhead went to the Mountaineer ...

Morgantown reports spike in overdoses

BY MIKE NOLTING Morgantown officials report a spike in overdoses and two suspected deaths associated with the surge. On Friday night, five overdoses were reported, including two suspected deaths. U.S. Attorney Bill Ihlenfeld has reported that fentanyl is now being found in up to 90% of other drugs confiscated during law enforcement operations. Health experts recommend people who use should carry Narcan, use test strips to measure fentanyl in the supply, avoid using drugs alone and notify 911 as soon as an overdose is suspected. DEA Administrator Anne Milgram said fentanyl ...

Nursing home employee charged with stealing residents’ phones

A Kingwood nursing home employee is in jail after she allegedly stole several cell phones from elderly residents in her care.  Preston County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Stonerise Health Care in Kingwood after receiving a report of a theft, the criminal complaint said. On ...

A Detroit man was arrested Wednesday after agents with the Mon Metro Drug Task Force executed a search warrant for an apartment at 501 Abigail Court in Morgantown.  Prior to the search, the criminal complaint said Jeffrey Allen Motley, 31, of Detroit, left the residence in a rental ...

Philly man admits to operating multi-state drug enterprise

BY MARSHA CHWALIK MARTINSBURG — A Philadelphia man has admitted to operating a multi-state organized drug trafficking business dubbed the “19th Street Enterprise.” The US Attorney’s Office reports Christopher Arthur Jones, also known as “Smooth,” pleaded guilty this week to a racketeering enterprise (RICO) conspiracy and fentanyl distribution charges. Jones, 38, was the leader of the organization, directing members of the enterprise to sell drugs, commit acts of violence, launder money, and commit fraud in West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Delaware. The ...

Police warn residents of recent cell phone fraud incidents

Area law enforcement is warning residents to use caution and be aware of their surroundings when using a cell phone in public, and to not share cell phones if asked by a stranger.  The warning comes after the Morgantown Police Department said they are currently investigating numerous ...