Office of the Prosecuting Attorney for Fayette County, West Virginia

04/24/2026

HAROLD L. “BUTCH” BLAKE, III CONVICTED OF THIRTY-SIX FELONY S*X OFFENSES

On April 23. 2026 at the conclusion of a three-day jury trial before Fayette County Circuit Judge, Thomas K. Fast, Harold L. “Butch” Blake, III was found guilty of thirty-six (36) felony s*x offenses. Blake’s crimes were committed over a forty (40) year time frame against five different minor child victims. After the jury returned its verdict, the State requested the Court revoke Blake’s bond as Blake had been convicted of numerous crimes of s*xual violence and as Blake is now facing a functional life sentence given the lengthy prison sentences authorized for such convictions. Judge Fast granted the State’s request and ordered that Blake’s bond be revoked and that Blake be held in the Southern Regional Jail pending sentencing.

Blake was convicted of nine (9) counts of second-degree s*xual assault, thirteen (13) counts of first-degree s*xual abuse, twelve (12) counts of s*xual abuse by a parent, guardian, or custodian, and two (2) counts of in**st.

The investigation began with a recent disclosure by a child who alleged Blake had engaged in inappropriate s*xual acts with her. As the investigation proceeded, four more victims came forward and made similar allegations against Blake. There is no statute of limitations for felony crimes in West Virginia. If you suspect a child is being victimized, report your concerns to your local law enforcement agency.

This case was jointly investigated by both the Oak Hill Police Department Detective Bureau and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department Detective Bureau. The case was prosecuted by Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney.

04/15/2026

JUSTIN K. LEGG SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR
DELIVERY OF FENTANYL AND DRUG CONSPIRACY

Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., Prosecuting Attorney, announces that on April 13, 2026, Justin K. Legg, age 30, of Oak Hill, West Virginia, was sentenced by the Hon. W.E. Sam Fox, II to four separate three (3) to fifteen (15) year prison terms for four (4) convictions for delivery of fentanyl. Legg was also sentenced to prison for ten (10) years for conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Judge Fox ordered the four delivery of fentanyl prison terms be served consecutively and that the conspiracy prison term be served concurrently with other prison terms. On February 4, 2026, Legg was found guilty of these offenses following a two-day jury trial. Legg must serve twelve (12) years in prison before being eligible for parole.

Between September and October of 2024, Legg sold fentanyl mixed with other illegal controlled substances to a cooperating individual on four separate days in the Oak Hill area. The State also presented evidence that Legg’s drug trafficking continued into November of 2024 when he was apprehended by police. During trial, the State introduced dozens of messages recovered from Legg’s cellular phone which indicated that Legg knew he was dealing fentanyl and that he knew the fentanyl was mixed with other drugs. In the messages, Legg often bragged about the potency of the drugs he sold.

This crime was investigated by the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer D. Crane.

04/15/2026

TODD M. BOUCINO SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR DRUG CONSPIRACY

Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., Prosecuting Attorney, announces that on April 13, 2026, Todd M. Boucino, age 56, of Beckley, West Virginia, was sentenced by the Hon. W.E. Sam Fox, II to five (5) years in prison for the felony crime of conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. Boucino entered a guilty plea this crime on February 26, 2026. Boucino must serve a minimum of one (1) year, three (3) months before becoming eligible for parole.

In June and July 2023, Boucino and his co-defendant, Patti J. Dixon, sold fentanyl mixed with other illegal controlled substances to a cooperating individual on three separate days in the Oak Hill area of Fayette County. Dixon entered a guilty plea to the felony crime of conspiracy to violate the Uniform Controlled Substances Act and to the misdemeanor crime of false swearing on August 12, 2025. On October, 20, 2025, she was sentenced to supervised probation for three (3) years by Senior Status Judge H.L. Kirkpatrick, III.

This crime was investigated by the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer D. Crane.

04/15/2026

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney – Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

Live and work near our Nation’s newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. All the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities that Fayette County has to offer can be right in your backyard.

Prospective employee will prosecute all aspects of misdemeanor and felony criminal cases in Magistrate Court and in Circuit Court in Fayette County. Responsibilities will include: review of evidence, police reports, and charging decisions made by law enforcement and making appropriate recommendations and changes as needed; provide mandatory discovery to defendants/defense counsel; preparation of necessary pre-trial motions, notices, and responses to pre-trial motions filed by defense counsel, and written memoranda and briefs where appropriate in support of the same; appearing in court on behalf of the State for trials, motion hearings, plea hearings and sentencing hearings; assessment of defendant’s criminal history and circumstances to make recommendations to the court regarding bond amount and conditions of release; review of case files, applicable statutes and case law, victim information and input, and making a determination as to an appropriate disposition for a case; and any other assignment as required.

The position is full time and offers a county benefit package that includes health, life, and dental/vision insurances, PERS pension and §457 retirement plan, vacation, sick leave, and more. The position is salaried and compensation is based upon experience with a range of $70,000 to $90,000. All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background check. Position is at will and prospective employee serves at the will and pleasure of the Prosecuting Attorney.

Qualifications

Prospective employee must be a law school graduate (Juris Doctorate Degree) and a member in good standing with the West Virginia State Bar or eligible for admission in the immediate future.

Posting will remain open until May 31, 2026.

Send cover letter, resume, writing sample & references to Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., Prosecuting Attorney for Fayette County, via email to: [email protected]

04/10/2026

04/02/2026

GEORGE E. “SPEEDY” LEGG SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR FELONY FLEEING WITH RECKLESS INDIFFERENCE AND DRIVING ON A LICENSE REVOKED FOR DUI, THIRD OFFENSE

Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., Prosecuting Attorney, announces that on March 31, 2026, George E. “Speedy” Legg, age 61, of Gallagher, West Virginia, was sentenced by the Hon. W.E. Sam Fox, II to one (1) to five (5) years in prison for the felony crime of fleeing in a vehicle with reckless indifference to the safety of others and to a consecutive term of one (1) to three (3) years in prison for the felony crime of third offense driving on a license revoked for DUI. Legg was also fined a total of $4,000.00. Legg entered a guilty plea to both crimes on August 25, 2025. Legg must serve a minimum of two (2) years before becoming eligible for parole.

On May 25, 2024, a Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputy observed Legg driving a vehicle in the Armstrong Creek area of Fayette County. The deputy believed Legg did not have a valid driver’s license based upon prior interactions with him and the deputy attempted a traffic stop. Instead of stopping, Legg drove the vehicle in speeds exceeding 90 mph on Armstrong Creek Road, which has a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Legg nearly wrecked into an ATV and another vehicle during the pursuit. Legg also ran into the deputy’s cruiser after he turned the vehicle around during the pursuit. Once Legg reached Craig Hollow Road, he unsuccessfully attempted to turn around at a locked gate and was apprehended.

Legg has numerous prior convictions for driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license and for fleeing from police in multiple counties. In 2016, Legg was convicted of delivery of methamphetamine and driving on a license revoked for DUI, third offense in Fayette County.

This crime was investigated by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer D. Crane.

03/13/2026

RUSSELL D. TUCK SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A S*X OFFENDER

Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., Prosecuting Attorney, announces that on March 12, 2026, Russell D. Tuck, age 64, of Scarbro, West Virginia, was sentenced by Chief Circuit Judge Thomas K. Fast to one (1) to five (5) years in prison for the felony offense of failure to register as a s*x offender required to register for life. The Defendant pled guilty to the preceding felony on January 9, 2026. Tuck must serve one (1) year in prison before being eligible for parole.

In June, 2025, Tuck contacted the West Virginia State Police to complete his annual s*x offender registration requirements. Investigation revealed that Tuck had previously failed to report for his annual registration and that he had an unregistered internet service provider. Tuck is required to register for life as a s*x offender due to a 2006 conviction in Fayette County for First Degree Sexual Abuse.

This crime was investigated by the West Virginia State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sarah F. Smith.

03/10/2026

BENCH WARRANT ISSUED FOR THE ARREST OF SKYLER R. COHERNOUR

Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., Prosecuting Attorney, announces that on January 14, 2026, an indictment was returned by the Fayette County Grand Jury which alleged that Skyler R. Cohernour committed the felony offenses of conspiracy and possession with intent to deliver fentanyl. Cohernour failed to appear for her arraignment and on February 2, 2026, Judge Thomas K. Fast, Fayette County Circuit Court Judge, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Cohernour. As of today, Cohernour remains at large.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Cohernour should contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department at 304-574-4216 or contact your local law enforcement agency to provide such information.

Criminal charges are merely allegations and all individuals charged with a crime are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

03/10/2026

THREE INDIVIDUALS CHARGED WITH STEALING POLITICAL CAMPAIGN SIGNS

Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., Prosecuting Attorney, announces that on March 2, 2026, Aaron T. Welch, age 39, of Beckley, West Virginia and Terry J. Holbrook, age 40, of Hilltop, West Virginia were both charged with conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor and petit larceny by an officer of the of the Oak Hill Police Department. Both men are alleged to have illegally taken two campaigns signs belonging to a Fayette County political candidate.

On March 1, 2026, Terri L. Bowen, age 55, of Meadow Bridge, West Virginia, was charged by a deputy employed by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department with petit larceny and destruction of property. Bowen is alleged to have illegally taken a campaign sign belonging to a Fayette County political candidate and then destroying the sign by burning it.

Illegally taking or damaging campaign signs are a criminal acts and will be prosecuted in Fayette County. The appropriate way to oppose any political candidate is to support and vote for a different candidate. All Fayette County citizens are encouraged to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming election and to support the candidate of their choice.

Criminal charges are merely allegations and all individuals charged with a crime are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

02/17/2026

PHILLLIP E. MOORE SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR FELONY DRUG CRIMES

Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., Prosecuting Attorney, announces that on February 17, 2026, Phillip E. Moore, age 77, of Hilltop, West Virginia, was sentenced by Circuit Judge Thomas K. Fast to not less than two (2) years nor more than thirty (30) years in prison for the felony crime of delivery of powder co***ne and to not less than two (2) years nor more than thirty (30) years in prison for the felony crime of delivery of crack co***ne. Judge Fast further ordered the sentences to be served consecutively. Judge Fast doubled the penalties for the convictions as Moore had three prior drug related felony convictions. Moore plead guilty to these offenses on December 19, 2025. Moore must serve a minimum of four (4) years in prison before being eligible for parole.

From August 9, 2024 through August 26, 2024, the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated drug trafficking in the Hilltop area of Fayette County. Working with a confidential informant, the Task Force purchased suspected controlled substances from Moore on four different occasions. On August 26, 2024, the Task Force obtained and executed a search warrant on Moore’s residence. During the search of Moore’s residence, U.S. Currency, digital scales, packaging material, and suspected controlled substances were seized. Moore was found to be in possession of 38 separate packages of suspected controlled substances. Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed that Moore had sold both powder co***ne and crack co***ne to the confidential informant and that Moore was in possession of the same drugs at the time his residence was searched.

These crimes were investigated by members of the Central Regional Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Prosecuting Attorney Anthony Ciliberti, Jr.

02/10/2026

PAUL D. THOMPSON CONVICTED AND SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR FIRST DEGREE MURDER

Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., Prosecuting Attorney for Fayette County, announces that on February 10, 2026, Paul D. Thompson, age 56, an inmate at Mount Olive Correctional Complex, Mt. Olive, West Virginia, plead guilty to the felony offense of first-degree murder and was sentenced during the same hearing by Chief Circuit Judge Thomas K. Fast to serve life in prison. Thompson was already serving a life sentence in relation to convictions for first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit robbery from Marion County at the time he committed the offense of first-degree murder in Fayette County. Judge Fast ordered the sentence for first-degree murder to be served consecutively to the sentences for the Marion County convictions. Judge Fast did not grant Thompson mercy, meaning the Defendant will never be eligible for parole.

On March 6, 2025, Thompson fatally assaulted the victim, another inmate at Mt. Olive Correctional Complex, with an improvised weapon after a disagreement between the two inmates. When questioned by investigators, Thompson confessed to attacking his fellow inmate. Thompson told authorities that the attack was in response to the victim making s*xual advances toward him. The victim sustained severe head injuries during the attack, including skull fractures. The victim’s death was ruled a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for West Virginia.

This crime was investigated by the West Virginia State Police and Mount Olive Correctional Center Investigators. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Sarah F. Smith and Ethan Z. Brogan.

02/09/2026

ROBERT A. HULL SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR UNLAWFUL ASSAULT AND SECOND OFFENSE DOMESTIC BATTERY

Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., Prosecuting Attorney, announces that on February 9, 2026, Robert A. Hull, age 46, of Scarbro, West Virginia, was sentenced by Circuit Judge Thomas K. Fast to not less than one (1) nor more than five (5) years in prison for the felony crime of unlawful assault and to one year in jail for misdemeanor crime of second offense domestic battery. Hull plead guilty to these offenses on December 17, 2025. The sentences were ordered to be served consecutively which means Hull must serve a minimum of one (1) year and six (6) months before becoming eligible for parole.

On February 16, 2025, police were dispatched to Forsythia Lane in Charlton Heights following a domestic incident. The investigation revealed that Hull physically attacked his estranged wife and ripped a necklace from her neck. Police observed injuries to the victim who later received medical treatment which determined the victim sustained broken ribs during the attack. The victim called for help from a neighbor’s home. Hull was previously convicted of domestic battery against the same victim in August 2020 in Kanawha County.

This crime was investigated by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jennifer D. Crane.