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Man Accepts Plea Deal in Child Porn Case

By Staff | Jan 24, 2018

STEVEN DOUGLAS SOUTHERLY

A Sistersville man entered into plea agreement Jan. 11, in Tyler County Circuit Court, for possessing sexually explicit images of minors.

Steven Douglas Southerly, 61, of 144 East Street, Sistersville, was initially indicted for possession of material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. On July 16, 2015, Southerly was allegedly in possession of more than 600 images, visually portraying minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Per the terms of the plea agreement, Southerly pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of possession of material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct – more than 50 images and less than 600 images. He was sentenced to two to 10 years in prison. After serving his sentence, he will be placed on five years of supervised release for sex offenders. Additionally, Southerly is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.

The following defendants also appeared in court to enter into plea agreements:

* Derrick A. Smith, 27, of 420 Ohio Street, New Martinsville, pleaded guilty to the felony information charge of child abuse resulting in bodily injury, for an incident allegedly occurring on April 26, 2017. Per terms of the plea agreement, Smith was placed on two years supervised probation. If he follows the terms and conditions, as well as completing probation, the felony charge will be deferred and reduced to a misdemeanor domestic battery charge.

* Steven M. Chaplin, 53, of 417 Friendly Hill Road, Friendly, pleaded guilty to the information offense of failure to appear, occurring in October 2017.

A pre-sentence investigation was ordered, and sentencing will be scheduled following the completion of the investigation.

Also appearing during the Jan.11 court session:

* Brian Scott Northcraft, 33, of 2267 Arvilla Road, Friendly, is charged with three felony offenses and one misdemeanor. Charges include burglary, battery, sexual assault in the second degree, and kidnapping, all allegedly occurring July 5. Representing Northcraft was Kevin Neiswonger. Neiswonger informed Judge Cramer that a psychological evaluation was performed on Northcraft and needs to be disclosed to the state, along with a list of witnesses.

Prosecuting Attorney Luke Furbee made a motion to obtain a search warrant for a cell phone that was dropped off at the sheriff’s office by a witness in the case. A trial date was scheduled for Jan. 29 at 8:30 a.m.

* William Dean Price, 36, of 914 Main Street, Sistersville, is charged with driving while license revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol – third or subsequent offense. On July 5, Price allegedly was driving in Tyler County while his license was revoked for DUI for three previous convictions. Price was convicted of driving while license was revoked for DUI in Wetzel, Harrison and Marshall counties occurring Jan. 2, 2013, April 6, 2015 and Dec. 15, 2015, respectively. Price is working out the terms of his plea agreements and will return Feb. 6 at 1:15 p.m. for a possible plea. Because a capias was issued for failing to appear for his Dec. 11 hearing, Furbee requested that his bond is increased from $3,000 to $10,000 cash bond.

* Sarah K. Shannon, 38, of 1201 South 4th Avenue, Paden City, is charged with conspiracy to commit an offense against the state, nighttime burglary and grand larceny. According to the indictment, Shannon allegedly conspired with Bryan Shannon for the purpose of committing the felony offense of grand larceny. She broke into a dwelling and stole 20 items, valuing $3,742. Her case was continued and she will return Feb. 22 at 1 p.m.

* Dustin E. Braucher, 20, of 407 Dodd Street, Middlebourne is charged with child neglect, resulting in bodily injury, two counts of domestic battery (allegedly occurring on Jan.15), and violation of a * * Evelyn Louise Owens, 65, of 511 South Chelsea Street, Sistersville, is charged with financial exploitation of an elderly person. Owens allegedly misappropriated $6,315 from another between June * Shelly Davis of 546 Veterans Highway, New Martinsville and Tracy A. Keller of 107 Stealey Street, Middlebourne, also appeared in court on Jan. 11 for their respective hearings. The two waived preliminary hearings for petitions to revoke probation. Davis will return to court Feb. 6, 1:45 p.m., and Keller will return to court Feb. 22 at 2:30 p.m.