Jason Michael Goldsmith

“I fully regret what I have done. I want to apologize to Farmer’s Exchange and Conaway Grocery and I will pay them back,” stated Jason Michael Goldsmith after entering a guilty plea in front of Judge Mark A. Karl on Aug. 28.

Goldsmith pleaded guilty to the felony of fraudulent scheme and the misdemeanor of obtaining goods under false pretenses. A third charge, misdemeanor fraudulent schemes, was dismissed as a result of the plea agreement.

Earlier this year, on Feb. 18, Goldsmith, 27, of Rt. 1 Box 274, Greenwood, W.Va., went to Farmer’s Exchange in Middlebourne and purchased a stove and a refrigerator in the amount of $1,272. He paid by check, knowing the money was not in the account. Goldsmith said he wrote the check for the amount and thought he could have the money in the bank before the check got deposited. Goldsmith also stated he walked into the Conaway Grocery and asked them if they could cash a couple of personal checks for him totaling $250.

Goldsmith said, “I was planning on putting the money in the bank but just couldn’t.”

He is facing one to 10 years in the North Central Regional Jail for the felony charge of fraudulent schemes and 6 months for the misdemeanor charge of obtaining goods under false pretenses to be served consecutively. He was also ordered to pay restitution. Upon recommendation of Public Defender John Gainer, Karl put Goldsmith on probation for two years.

In addition to charges in Tyler County, Goldsmith faces charges in other counties and remains in custody.

Also appearing was Mark D. Blouir, of Rt. 2 Box 60, Pennsboro. Blouir is charged with one count of obtaining money by false pretenses in October 2008. Bond will continue as set. A motion is pending and a trial date is set for Oct. 20 at 1 p.m.

William B. Neff, 36, of Rt. 1 Box 232, Middlebourne, was charged with manufacturing a controlled substance in October 2008.

Neff’s bond has been set at $75,000 cash. Prosecuting Attorney Luke Furbee asked Judge Karl that the amount be set in cash because Neff failed to post bail and failed to appear at one of his hearings. A capias warrant was issued and he was entered into a national crime database. Deputies from the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office apprehended Neff on Aug. 10 at his father’s residence on Elk Fork near Kidwell.

Formal arraignment is set for Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. He is currently being housed in the NCRJ.