Hampshire County Sheriff's Race

There is no doubt the election will prove to be interesting this November. The race for Hampshire County Sheriff will be one of those interesting points.

I have seen the "James Method for Sheriff" signs a few places and have read his brochure, but my choice of candidate will remain Nathan Sions. I, for one, believe we have a good sheriff and have yet to understand why anyone would want to replace him with someone who is incapable of seeing the present, as well as future, law enforcement needs of our county.

Method wants to cut back on spending, but fails to realize that Hampshire County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state. Since no one works for free, we have to pay our deputies. In my opinion, we could use a few more deputies not less. And yes, we have to provide them with transportation no matter where they live. It's a small price to pay to have them working here since they can go to Frederick County and surrounding areas and make $10,000 plus a year more than working here.

Nathan Sions is an honest man who cares about Hampshire County. He has proved himself a good sheriff over that last term and will continue to do so over the next.

Graham Charged With Forgery & Uttering

James David Graham, 26, was arrested Saturday evening and charged with 6 counts of forgery and 6 counts of uttering. He is being held at Potomac Highlands Regional Jail on $24,000 bond.

Graham has only been charged with the crimes above and has not yet been convicted. He is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Hott Charged With Battery of Police Officer

James Dudley Hott, 60 of Springfield, was arrested late Saturday night as a result of a domestic dispute and taken to Potomac Highlands Regional Jail where he is being held on a $100 bond. His charges were domestic battery and battery of a police officer.

Hott has only been charged with the crimes above and has not yet been convicted. He is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Augusta Resident Pleads Guilty To Possessing Stolen Firearm

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA — A 24 year old Augusta, West Virginia, resident entered a plea of guilty on August 28, 2008, in United States District Court in Martinsburg before Magistrate Judge David J. Joel.
United States Attorney Sharon L. Potter announced that DANIELLE HONACKER CROCK entered a plea of guilty to one count of an Indictment charging her with knowingly possessing a stolen firearm. CROCK was arrested in a traffic stop on September 26, 2006, and was in possession of a firearm which was stolen in a burglary in Morgan County. CROCK knowingly purchased the stolen firearm for $50.00.
CROCK, who is currently free on bond pending sentencing, faces a maximum exposure of 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul T. Camilletti. The case was investigated by the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. The Task Force consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police - Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Martinsburg Police Department, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department.