×

Sex offender fighting extradition in Wood County court

PARKERSBURG — A convicted sex offender is fighting extradition to Indiana, where he faces 46 years in prison.

Jefferson Robert Griffin Jr., 68, in custody at the North Central Regional Jail in Doddridge County, was arrested by Wood County Sheriff’s deputies in June on a fugitive from justice charge out of Rush County, Indiana. According to Wood County Circuit Court records, he failed to appear in court there after being convicted earlier that month on charges of sexual misconduct with a minor, child molestation, battery on a person less than 14 years old, repeat sexual offender and habitual offender.

Griffin initially appeared in Wood County Circuit Court on July 11 and contested extradition, leading local authorities to request a governor’s warrant from Indiana. The warrant was served Wednesday by Wood County Circuit Judge Robert Waters, and Griffin indicated a desire to file a writ of habeas corpus in opposition.

Waters scheduled a deadline of Sept. 27 for the writ to be filed and Oct. 4 for the state to respond. A hearing on the writ is planned for 3:30 p.m. Oct. 10.

Also before Waters on Wednesday:

* After Kieal Lamone received a forensic psychiatric evaluation, the judge found Lamone, 33, in custody at North Central, was not competent to stand trial or sign a plea agreement. Lamone faces misdemeanor charges of obstructing, disorderly conduct and violation of a protective order in Wood County Magistrate Court. The report indicated Lamone is likely to regain competency within 90 days, so he will be re-evaluated after that period.

* Danielle Renee Cale, 26, in custody at North Central, was ordered to serve a 60-day sanction, with credit for 23 days, for violating her probation. She was sentenced in July 2017 on a charge of grand larceny to one to 10 years in prison, suspended for three years probation.

In Judge Jason Wharton’s court:

* William Kerns, 35, in custody at North Central, had his sentence for entering without breaking deferred until he completes or is discharged from the drug court program.

On Tuesday, before Waters:

* James Albert Lipscomb, 44, in custody at the North Central Regional Jail in Doddridge County, waived extradition to Roanoke County, Virginia, on a robbery charge. He will not be transported until charges against him in Wood County have been addressed.

* Daniel F. Rife, 37, in custody at North Central, waived extradition to Gallia County, Ohio, on charges of aggravated possession of methamphetamine and receiving stolen property.

* Abby Leigh Minskey, 30, in custody at North Central, waived extradition to Athens County, Ohio, on charges of receiving stolen property.

* Jason Lee Hart, 37, in custody at North Central, waived extradition to Athens County on charges of possession of criminal tools, receiving stolen property and carrying a concealed weapon.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today