Stallman

ELKINS — A Huttonsville man is behind bars for allegedly breaking into an outbuilding and stealing several items in Elkins.

James Lee Stallman, 32, is facing a felony count of burglary. He is currently being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $10,000 cash only bond set by Randolph County Magistrate Tracy Harper.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Elkins Police Department Patrolman P.S. Marsh, on April 29, law enforcement officers responded to a Lavalette Avenue residence for a 911 hang-up call. When officers arrived a female resident said a male subject had broken into an outbuilding behind her residence.

“She further stated the male believed to be James Lee was pulling a white trailer containing items from inside the outbuilding and a bicycle,” Marsh writes in the complaint. “I went to the outbuilding and observed a broken hinge with a lock. The screws on the hinge were out of the door while the lock was still together.”

According to the complaint, Elkins Police Department Cpl. R.A. Summerfield located Stallman on the sidewalk of a neighboring residence, adding he was pulling a white trailer that contained several items as well as a bicycle frame consistent with the items that were allegedly stolen.

After being detained and read his rights, Stallman said he was told by the female resident that he could get items from the shed. The resident provided a written statement saying about five minutes after she noticed the building was broken into, Stallman came by riding the bike that was in the building and tried blaming it on someone named “Doc.”

According to the complaint, the female caller advised officers that the building was not hers and the officers made contact with the property owner/landlord, who stated they wanted to press charges, adding no one had permission to be in the building. The owner was at work and agreed to meet with officers and go through the building to determine what was missing. The white trailer that Stallman was pulling was left on the property.

During an interview, Stallman admitted to “opening the door” because he “wanted the bike,” the complaint states. He claimed again that the female caller told him he could get items from the building. Officers received a written statement from the property owner and was given a list of items taken from the building. The approximately $218 worth of items included:

∫ Tourister Garnet bag with an approximate value of $130.

∫ green camouflage bow case with an approximate value of $48.

∫ doll with an approximate value of $30.

∫ A wooden jewelry box with an approximate value of $10.

If convicted, Stallam could be facing one to 15 years in state prison.