ebevins@newsandsentinel.com
Parkersburg Police Chief Joe Martin discusses a proposed internship program for the department during a Parkersburg City Council Personnel Committee meeting Tuesday at the Municipal Building. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
PARKERSBURG An ordinance establishing an internship program for the Parkersburg Police Department was referred to Parkersburg City Council on Tuesday by its Personnel Committee.
If approved by council at its Jan. 26 and Feb. 9 meetings, the ordinance would create four intern positions that pay $10 an hour with no benefits. Mayor Tom Joyce and Police Chief Joe Martin said the program would engage and train candidates who passed the written and agility tests for the department and completed a background check but may not be ready to go to the academy and join the department.
editorial@newsandsentinel.com
CHARLESTON United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced Thursday that Ricky V. McLaughlin, 63, of Belpre, pleaded guilty to wire fraud.
McLaughlin faces up to 20 years in prison when sentenced on March 17.
“For more than four years, McLaughlin defrauded multiple customers of a significant amount of money. If not for the efforts of the Parkersburg Police Department, McLaughlin probably still would be ripping off classic car lovers.”
McLaughlin operated the McLaughlin Motor Car Museum located in Parkersburg. McLaughlin sold collector cars, including various Pontiac Trans Am classic cars to individuals, and customers would send their collector cars to McLaughlin for restoration.
cblack@newsandsentinel.com
A St. Marys woman was arrested in Pleasants County last month and is being charged with possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver. These items were seized from her vehicle. (Photo Provided)
ST. MARYS Three separate incidents around the region resulted in arrests for drug sales, prostitution and a car chase.
According to the Pleasants County Sheriff’s Office, Darlene Fay Scott, 60, of St. Marys, was pulled over for a traffic stop on Dec. 29. After a search by police dog Wreck-It, Scott was discovered to have drugs in the vehicle, the sheriff’s office said.
A search of the vehicle revealed about 1 gram of methamphetamine, several prescription pills and cash, according to the sheriff’s department.
PARKERSBURG The Wood County Sheriff’s Office released the following reports Jan. 7: From Jan. 4-6, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office answered 119 calls, including: four traffic stops; 24 complaints by phone and in person; four domestic calls and domestic protective orders served; eight suspicious persons and vehicles; 14 check area, subject, welfare; six disorderly subject, motorist; two accidents; three intrusion alarms; and seven mental hygiene orders On Jan. 4, a deputy responded to I-77 and Staunton Turnpike in reference to a two-vehicle accident. Only minor damage was observed and both drivers exchanged information. On Jan. 4, a deputy responded to Gihon Road in reference to a breaking and entering that had already occurred. The complainant reported that an unknown person had thrown an object at her vehicle breaking the driver side back window to her vehicle and removing a car charger and leaving the area. Investigation is ongoing at this time.
PARKERSBURG The Parkersburg Police Department released the following reports Dec. 21: Dalton Drummond, 27, of Parkersburg, was arrested Dec. 18 on charges of driving under suspended and fleeing from an officer. Douglas Shafer, 39, of Waverly, was arrested Dec. 19 on a warrant. Christopher Hunt, 28, of Parkersburg, was arrested Dec. 19 on a domestic battery charge. Faith Maston, 27, of Parkersburg, was arrested Dec. 19 on a domestic battery charge. Eric Vest, 41, was arrested Dec. 20 on a burglary charge. Ashley Yoho, 30, of Loudonville, Ohio, was arrested Dec. 20 on a capias. On Dec. 18, officers responded to Family Dollar on Seventh Street in reference to shoplifting. On Dec. 18, officers responded to 19th Street in reference to a petit larceny that already occurred.