Local woman pleads guilty to check charge
ELKINS — A Randolph County woman accused of writing a worthless check to an Elkins business entered into a plea agreement Wednesday in Randolph County Magistrate Court.
Ellen Marie Johnson, 51, of Thomas, pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of writing a worthless check. The prosecution dismissed the original charge of one felony count of writing a worthless check.
Additionally, Johnson paid restitution in the amount of $2,203.72 to the victim, Glotfelty Tire Center.
Randolph County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Leckta Poling represented the state while Johnson appeared on her own behalf. Randolph County Chief Magistrate Rob Elbon presided.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Randolph County Magistrate Court, at approximately 12:37 p.m. Dec. 19, Trooper 1st Class J.J. Cornelius of the West Virginia State Police received a worthless check complaint from the manager of Glotfelty Tire Center.
The manager said he had received a call from “Ellen John” asking for tires to be installed on Oct. 31, which they were.
The bill, in the amount of $2,203.72, was paid for with a check from “Ellen John.” The manager added the woman had been to the business on numerous occasions but this was the first time her check had ever been returned.
The manager contacted the woman who said she would mail a new check, but one was never received, the complaint states.
The signature on the check appeared to be signed as “Ellen M. John,” police said.
At approximately 9:52 a.m. Dec. 21, Cornelius spoke with “Ellen John” via phone. The woman said she was “Mrs. John” and she was aware the check did not clear. She added she had sent them a cashier’s check prior to Thanksgiving, according to the complaint.
Cornelius ran the name “Ellen John” through the West Virginia Supreme Court Network, which returned the name Ellen Marie Johnson, who had several worthless check charges in Randolph, Tucker, Harrrison and Preston counties, the complaint states.
At approximately 9 a.m. Jan. 3, Cornelius spoke with the manager of Glotfelty, who said he never received a check to cover the debt.
Also in Randolph County Magistrate Court Wednesday:
∫ A preliminary hearing for Dewayne N. Hannah, 67, of Elkins, was continued.
Hannah is charged with one felony count of strangulation. He is free on a $35,000 cash, surety or property bond.
Poling represented the state while Hannah appeared with James E. Hawkins Jr. as defense counsel. Randolph County Magistrate George M. “Mike” Riggleman presided.