Local News
Former Wyoming County bus driver convicted
PINEVILLE — A former Wyoming County school bus driver is facing up to two decades in prison after being convicted Wednesday of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian following a two-day trial in Wyoming County Circuit Court before special judge Robert Burnside of Raleigh County.
Robert Junior Thomas, 46, of Wyoming, was accused of having sex with a 16-year-old student in July 2007. The victim was a student in the summer school program, where Thomas worked as a bus driver.
Thomas reportedly passed the student a note, asking her to meet him after hours, according to Prosecutor Rick Staton.
Thomas picked the girl up outside her residence, then took her to the R.D. Bailey Lake campground and had sexual intercourse with her, Staton said. DNA tests confirmed the act and that Thomas was the perpetrator, Staton explained.
Thomas argued he was not acting in the scope of his duties as a bus driver when he had intercourse with the student.
“I’m glad the jury didn’t buy that argument,” Staton said. “Teachers, bus drivers and education personnel hold a special place in the lives of our children. Our school children should feel safe when they are under their care and control. Any person who abuses that trust should be dealt with severely and harshly.”
Sheriff Randall Aliff and Deputy Randy Brooks were the investigators.
Thomas’ bond was revoked after he was found to have inappropriately photographed and hugged a lifeguard at Twin Falls Resort State Park over the summer, Staton said.
A sentencing date has not been set, but will probably be sometime in January, Staton said. Thomas faces 10 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Staton said he will ask for the maximum sentence.
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Residents stunned that road washed away
Imagine waking up in the morning and finding that the main road leading to your home had been washed away by floodwaters in the night. That was exactly the shock awaiting Shady Lake Drive residents in Shady Spring Saturday morning.
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SCHOOL CLOSINGS and DELAYS
Click HERE to go to the West Virginia Department of Education with up-to-date school closings and delays by county.
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Mount Hope hit hard by floodwaters
MOUNT HOPE — Boyd Donelow waded through water halfway up his legs as he looked at the aftermath of flooding in Mount Hope.
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Ultrasound bill goes to Manchin
CHARLESTON — Absent penalties that initially raised some eyebrows, an update of the Women’s Right to Know Act that makes ultrasound imaging available to women seeking abortions was sent to Gov. Joe Manchin Saturday.
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Gun tax holiday is approved
CHARLESTON — Hunters and other gun owners can buy a new firearm and ammo without paying a sales tax one weekend in October in a bill that exited the Legislature before Saturday’s deadline.
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Folks are ready for daylight saving time
Daylight saving time is here. Spring officially arrives today.
And people are happy. -
Conferees agree on bill to cut dropouts
The bill would hike the legal age to quit school from 16 to 17.
- What's Happening — March 14, 2010
- Boil water notices
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Moderate flooding reported in Greenbrier County
Emergency officials are reporting moderate flooding of small streams in western Greenbrier County, with the Greenbrier River not expected to crest until 7 p.m. or later Saturday.
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Residents stunned that road washed away
