Grand jury to hear case of theft from local church
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ELKINS -- A Randolph County grand jury will hear the case against a Randolph County man accused of stealing medical equipment from a local church.
Stephen Gaylord Hinkle, 55, of Elkins, is charged with one count of grand larceny. He is currently being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $15,000 10% cash bond set by Randolph County Magistrate Tracy Harper.
On Tuesday afternoon, Hinkle appeared in Randolph County Magistrate Court for a preliminary hearing. During the proceedings, Hinkle waived his right to a preliminary hearing, moving his case forward to be considered by the Randolph County Grand Jury.
Hinkle’s attorney, Greg Tingler, asked Harper to change Hinkle’s 10% cash bond to a personal recognizance bond. Tingler explained that Hinkle currently suffers from stage 4 colon cancer and was on his second colostomy. Tingler argued that the regional jail would not be able to offer Hinkle the care he needs with this stage of cancer.
Assistant Randolph County Prosecutor Christina Harper said the state would leave bond to the court’s discretion.
Tracy Harper denied Tingler’s motion and continued Hinkle’s bond as previously set.
According to the criminal complaint, filed by Corporal R.A. Summerfield with the Elkins Police Department, on June 17, Summerfield was dispatched to the Elkins Family Worship Center on Taylor Avenue in Elkins in reference to theft.
Upon arrival, Summerfield spoke with the church's secretary, the complaint states. She told Summerfield that, on May 16, the automated external defibrillator (AED) machine was beeping so they needed to replace it. When they went to replace the battery on May 31, they discovered that the AED machine was missing.
On June 16, members of the church found the AED machine case in the alley behind the church on top of a trash bin. The secretary also stated there had been a male subject in the church on May 26. After receiving a description of the man, officers were reportedly able to identify him as Hinkle.
On June 22, Summerfield observed Hinkle walking on South Davis Avenue and he had Hinkle come to the Elkins Police Department to be interviewed, the complaint states. After being read his Miranda Rights and stating that he understood his rights, Hinkle allegedly admitted that he did take the AED machine from the church while he had been looking for Galls bandages. He also allegedly stated that he gave the machine to another person.
The AED machine was valued at $1,549, the complaint states.