MIDDLEBOURNE – A Middlebourne man facing multiple sex-related charges is also set to be arraigned on a separate charge after he allegedly fled from the police.

An arraignment hearing for John Brian Shepherd’s fleeing charge has been continued to Dec. 17. Shepherd, 58, of Middlebourne is also facing separate, superseding charges for alleged sex assault and sex abuse crimes.

Tyler County Circuit Court Judge Richard Wilson presided over Shepherd’s hearing Nov. 8 in Middlebourne. Shepherd was scheduled to be arraigned, but Wilson decided to continue it due to needing some clarification regarding a ruling from Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Cramer regarding Shepherd’s legal representation.

It was noted that Shephard has also recently filed a lawsuit in federal court against his attorney Dean Williams, the circuit court and others. Shepherd is alleging his constitutional rights are being violated.

Williams had requested in a motion that he no longer represent Shepherd, noting his client would not communicate with him anymore. Williams was assigned to represent Shepherd in both the fleeing and sex abuse cases.

Wilson set the arraignment hearing for the felony escape from custody charge for 9:15 a.m. Dec. 17 in Tyler County. Regarding the sex abuse case, the trial is set for 9 a.m. Nov. 18 in Marshall County Circuit Court. Tyler County Prosecutor Luke Furbee is prosecuting both cases.

Meanwhile, Shepherd’s 78-year-old mother, Betty Jean Shepherd of Middlebourne, pleaded innocent to allegedly helping her son flee from police. She is charged with felony escape from custody/aider and abettor. Wilson set a status hearing for her case at 10:15 a.m. Dec. 17. Furbee is prosecuting the case.

Wilson also presided over the following cases on Nov. 8:

Aaron Ryan Robinson, 30, of St. Marys was arraigned. He is charged with felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, methamphetamine. Wilson set a cash or surety bond of $10,000. A status hearing was set for 9:15 a.m. Dec. 17. Tyler County Assistant Prosecutor Kyle Elliot is

Jessica Mariana Huggins, 32, New Martinsville, was arraigned on the charge felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, methamphetamine. Wilson set her bond at $5,000 personal recognizance. A motions hearing was set for 9:15 a.m. Dec. 17. Jeremiah Gardern is her attorney and Tyler County Assistant Prosecutor Kyle Elliot represents the state.

Shawn David Cross, 31, was sentenced by Wilson to a year of supervised probation and a year of jail suspended and credit for time served. Cross already pleaded guilty to felony fourth degree arson. Two other counts were dismissed. On Feb. 27 during a domestic dispute Cross spilled kerosene all over a home on Red Fox Lane and then threatened to set it on fire. A lighter was found on him. Deputies who responded to the scene could see the spilled kerosene on the floor throughout the house and smell it, too. Cross’ attorney was Jeremiah Gardner. Tyler County Assistant Prosecutor Kyle Elliot prosecuted the case.

Mitchell Kelly, 31, was arraigned and pleaded innocent to one count of felony controlled substance, manufacture or possession with intent to deliver a Schedule I or II narcotic or meth. It was noted a possible plea agreement was in the works. Wilson scheduled to continue the case at 9:15 a.m. Dec. 17.

Wilson is anticipated to order a ruling regarding motions related to evidence in the Robert Allen Paul Brown Jr. case. Arguments were heard during a Nov. 8 motions hearing. Scott Brown, who is Brown Jr.’s attorney, argued that racial profiling was used by law enforcement. Furbee, who is prosecuting the case, said there is no evidence of racial profiling. Brown Jr. is charged with conspiracy to transport methamphetamine and fentanyl.

During a status hearing for Alexis Hope Garcia, Wilson set a trial date of Feb. 5. The case will be continued during a Dec. 17 hearing. Garcia, 26, of Clarksburg, W.Va., is charged one felony count of conspiracy, two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, and two felony counts of transportation of a controlled substance into the state.

Wilson set 8:30 a.m. Dec. 21 at the trial date for Joshua Luke Hunter, 44, of Alma, W.Va., who is charged with one felony count of driving while license revoked for DUI third or subsequent Offense and one misdemeanor count of false report to law enforcement.