The Times West Virginian

Local News

May 7, 2009

Magazine salesman charged with obstruction

By J. Miles Layton

FAIRMONT — After receiving numerous complaints about aggressive door-to-door salesmen attempting to sell magazines, police arrested a man who was charged with obstructing an officer.

Police said one of the salesmen, Tyson Victor Hard, 18, of Marysville, Wa., was arrested Sunday and charged with obstructing an officer (for giving false information), a misdemeanor. According to the criminal complaint, Hard provided a false date of birth when he was being questioned by police on Sunday.

Police said Hard had a warrant out for his arrest in Taylor County for false pretense — a misdemeanor — because he said he was a student and was collecting money for school projects such as Stop the Violence. Police said Hard is not a student.

“Citizens should exercise good judgment when someone comes to your door trying to sell something,” said Police Chief Mark Hayes.

Hard’s bond was set at $500, and he was taken to North Central Regional Jail. He released Wednesday after posting bond.

Police said Tyson had not received a city permit needed to sell magazines. A background check is completed on each of the applicants, police said, and an actual permit is issued for the salesperson to take door to door. The organization that the person is selling for should be licensed and have the appropriate identification with them.

Police said many people in diverse places such as Shinnston, Grafton, Elkins and Bridgeport have been approached by solicitors attempting to sell magazines. The Police Chief’s office advised anyone who may have purchased one of these magazines and feels they have been defrauded to contact their local law enforcement agencies.

The case will be heard by Marion County Magistrate Hank Middlemas at some point in the near future.

E-mail J. Miles Layton at mlayton@timeswv.com.

Text Only
Local News
  • Marion co 911--DS.jpg It’s an emergency

    A Dalmatian was on a mission. And he was in a hurry.
    In a fire truck, the Dalmatian, Patches, rushed into Monongah Elementary on Tuesday morning while students looked on in amusement.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • MCVB and MCPARC OPENING -TS.jpg CVB, MCPARC moving to new homes

    The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Marion County and the Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission are excited to have a new place to call home.
    On Monday, both organizations began simultaneously moving into their new offices in the visitor center building directly off Interstate 79 Exit 136 at 1000 Cole St., Pleasant Valley.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • Ministers Run still looking for local control

    Following two meetings in different locations Tuesday, the Ministers Run Water Association is still looking for a way to keep its utility in local hands.
    Last week, the state Public Service Commission held a hearing in Grant Town.

    February 8, 2012

  • Man indicted for forgery, uttering, other crimes

    A Fairmont man charged with forgery, uttering and other crimes is one of 23 people named in indictments handed down by the Marion County Grand Jury in its second day of deliberations Tuesday.
    Jeremy Nathan Ferraro, 31, Fairmont, was indicted on forgery; uttering; obtaining money, property or services by false pretenses; and domestic battery, third offense.

    February 8, 2012

  • White Hall students find there’s ‘purpose’ with writing

    Picking up a pen and being inspired to write didn’t come from within for author and poet Anna Smucker.
    Not until she met an author as a child did she begin to realize which career path best suited her and her interests.
    “I thought authors lived in New York or Hollywood, drove around in Cadillacs,” Smucker said.

    February 8, 2012

  • Former halfway house director sentenced to five months in prison

    The former director of a local federally contracted halfway house will serve time in prison for an inappropriate relationship with an inmate.
    Carrie L. Cockrell, 36, of Clarksburg, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Clarksburg by Judge Irene M. Keeley to five months’ imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release.

    February 8, 2012

  • Murray urges BOE members get pay for mandated training, raise for meetings

    Marion County Board of Education member Mary “Sis” Murray recently encouraged lawmakers to grant school board members pay for mandated training and a raise for meetings.
    Murray serves as president of the West Virginia School Board Association, which she said is made up of 275 school board members across the state.

    February 8, 2012

  • Quiet Dell ‘Close-knit community’

    Kids today. Two words are all it takes to bring to mind a familiar refrain commonly associated with old-timers and walking uphill in the snow with the wolves nipping at your heels.

    February 7, 2012 1 Photo

  • Man who led police in high-speed chase indicted

    The man who led area law enforcement units in a high-speed chase from Marion to Harrison County in November 2011 is one of 20 people named in indictments returned Monday by a Marion County Grand Jury in Judge David Janes’ courtroom.

    February 7, 2012

  • BOE votes against job change for Neptune

    The Marion County Board of Education voted against hiring Andrew Neptune as an administrative assistant during its meeting Monday night.

    February 7, 2012