The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

August 1, 2008

After almost 4 years on lam, Beckley man is sentenced

Michelle James

Almost four years after he failed to appear for his original sentencing hearing, a 39-year-old Beckley man was sent to jail Friday in Raleigh County Circuit Court.

Fredrick Michael Hamrick pleaded guilty in 2004 to destruction of property and petit larceny.

Hamrick did not appear for his Aug. 20, 2004, sentencing and was on the lam until January when he was arrested in New Castle, Pa.

Defense attorney Steve Mancini told Judge John Hutchison his client did not remember entering the plea and requested he undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Hutchison, however, said Hamrick was deemed mentally fit when he entered his plea and a current memory loss did not change anything.

Hamrick received two consecutive one-year sentences and a $500 fine and was ordered to pay $700 for his extradition.



Hutchison revoked probation on Larissa Kay Brinegar, 28, of Cool Ridge, who, along with her husband Shane, also 28, was arrested last weekend for allegedly stealing her grandmother’s credit cards and using them on what State Police said was a two-county shopping spree.

In February, Brinegar received suspended sentences of one to five years for conspiracy and one to 10 years for forgery and was placed on four years’ probation. She was also ordered to complete a one-year program at the Raleigh Day Report Center.

In his ruling, Hutchison amended the original order, suspending the forgery sentence and ordering Brinegar to serve one to five years for the conspiracy conviction. Upon her release, she will be placed on five years’ probation.

Hutchison told Brinegar he could have been harsher on her, ordering her to complete both jail terms, but said he believed she still had a chance to turn her life around.

“I’ve not dropped the hammer on her head,” he said, “But I’ve banged her with a ball-peen (hammer) maybe.”

Brinegar faces additional charges stemming from her most recent arrest.



Hutchison congratulated 22-year-old David Daniels of Mount Hope for his successful completion of the youthful offender program at Anthony Correctional Center.

Daniels, who pleaded guilty to breaking and entering in May 2007, completed several classes and received his GED while at Anthony.

“I’m very pleased, Mr. Daniels, with what you accomplished up there,” he said.

Daniels must now complete 18 months’ probation with an underlying sentence of one to 10 years.

— E-mail: mjames@register-herald.com

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