Pleas entered in Brooke County

Cody Lee Dennis, 36, of Richmond, has been sentenced to one to 15 years in prison for burglary, along with other charges, in a Brooke County Circuit Court ruling. The court learned that during an incident on April 16, 2024, Dennis threatened a man with a knife and stole tools from his home. While attempting to arrest him on September 7, Dennis resisted by kicking officers and kissing one on the cheek, leading to a battery charge. His plea agreement resulted in the dismissal of charges related to brandishing a weapon and assault. Meanwhile, Frank Arthur Stewart, 55, of Short Creek, received a one to five-year sentence for fleeing law enforcement recklessly.

His dangerous pursuit began after deputies responded to a 911 call regarding a vehicle trying to hit a woman. Stewart crashed into a ditch after a high-speed chase, highlighting the reckless behavior that prompted his charges. Both cases reflect ongoing concerns about crime and public safety in the region.