Parkersburg, WV — In a significant legal proceeding, a Wood County Grand Jury conducted a special session, resulting in the indictment of 20 individuals on various charges. Among those indicted was Keith Allen Stepchuck, a 38-year-old currently incarcerated at St. Marys Correctional Center, facing severe allegations including attempted murder stemming from an incident last December.
Stepchuck’s charges arose from a violent dispute where he allegedly assaulted another man during a vehicular argument on Ann Street. The altercation led to the victim sustaining substantial injuries, including a 6-inch neck laceration, and required emergency surgery at WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center. Further charges against Stepchuck include malicious assault, along with delivery and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
The grand jury session also brought to light a range of other serious offenses involving multiple individuals. Notably, Toby Lee Blair, 53, faces charges including burglary and strangulation along with repeated domestic violence offenses and unlawful restraint, originating from incidents in November 2024.
In similar severe cases, Patrick Vaughn Frazier, 69, was indicted on numerous counts related to sexual assault and abuse spanning from August 2022 through October 2024. Frazier’s charges involve first-degree sexual assault and abuse, with allegations pointing towards abuse of trust as a parent or guardian.
Additional indictments include Michael Anthony Cryster, 39, for second-offense controlled substance possession with intent to deliver and prohibited possession of a firearm. Moreover, Patrick Alan Duggan, 48, faces allegations of cruelty to animals from May 2024.
The legal proceedings also embroiled co-defendants in drug-related charges. Darrell Antonio Hughes, 18, and Scotty J. Byers, 41, along with Kyle and Tela Mise, were implicated in maintaining dwellings for controlled substance activities and multiple counts of substance delivery and conspiracy.
The extensive criminal charges detailed in this session provide a stark glimpse into a variety of offenses, highlighting ongoing legal challenges within the community. These indictments underscore not only the array of criminal activities but also the legal system’s efforts to address and prosecute these serious crimes.
As crime continues to be a pressing concern, these legal actions exemplify the judiciary’s role in maintaining law and order and ensuring that justice is served for the accused and the victims. The outcomes of these cases will likely have significant community and legal implications, reflecting broader societal issues surrounding crime and punishment.
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