Latest news with #18thJudicialCircuit
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ribbon-cutting held for Lewis-Upshur Community Recovery Center
BUCKHANNON, (WBOY) — The Lewis-Upshur Community Recovery Center was introduced to the area during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday morning, where attendees were able to walk around the space and see some of the different features that the community recovery center has to offer. Some of the different services that are provided include counseling and group sessions, as well as other activities like yoga and art classes, according to 18th Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Program Director Cheyenne Troxell. She told 12 News that the reason the program chose this building instead of the Community Corrections & Day Report Center was to help reduce the stigma that comes with attempting to get help, and no drug testing is done in this building. VA hosts PACT Act Claims clinic in Clarksburg 'We're actually very blessed in Upshur County to have a lot of services,' said Troxell. 'But I think our addition of the different space and our hybrid model, […] combining traditional counseling with the holistic approaches is what works really well for the clients that we've seen.' Troxell stated that she feels this center will be a positive addition to the community because all of the services that the program will put on the monthly calendar are free to the community. Anybody is able to attend these events, and nothing additional is needed, such as insurance or a referral. According to Troxell, the 18th Judicial Circuit Community Corrections Program deals with a lot of clients and programs related to addiction. She added that almost anything can be addictive and addiction can manifest itself in many different forms (drugs, food, etc.), so they welcome anybody who's struggling with anything to stop by. The space is set up to be immersive, with murals and decorative backgrounds in many of the different rooms. There's also a sensory room in the facility, which Troxell said is for people who need different things to be able to heal. Troxell also told 12 News that she wants people who attended Wednesday's ribbon-cutting and open house to just think about how many needs there are of people that are around them in the community. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
Florida man kills 3 in I-95 crash after taunting state trooper, slamming into tow truck: officials
The Brief A Florida man has been indicted for murder after a high-speed chase that ended in a deadly crash on an Interstate 95 off-ramp. Officials say the man taunted state troopers before then slamming into a tow truck and killing three people, as well as seriously injuring another. Vernon J. Hodges, 41, had a history of previous traffic convictions and license revocations, including for DUI, refusing to submit to breath or blood tests and for being a habitual traffic offender. BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida man has been indicted for murder after a high-speed chase that ended in a deadly crash on an Interstate 95 off-ramp. Officials say the man taunted state troopers before then slamming into a tow truck and killing three people, as well as seriously injuring another. In total, a Brevard County Jury has indicted 41-year-old Vernon J. Hodges on 17 charges. What we know Authorities said Hodges had a history of previous traffic convictions and license revocations, including for DUI, refusing to submit to breath or blood tests and for being a habitual traffic offender. Blood tests taken at the hospital after the crash showed he had a blood alcohol content of .147 above the legal limit. The jury has indicted Hodges on 17 charges: 3 counts of first-degree felony murder, a capital felony punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty Aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude, causing death 3 counts of DUI manslaughter 3 counts of vehicular homicide 3 counts of driving without a driver's license or while license suspended or revoked, causing death Driving with a suspended or revoked license, causing death Driving with a suspended or revoked license, causing serious injury DUI with serious bodily injury Driving under the influence and causing damage The backstory An official news release from the State Attorney of the 18th Judicial Circuit states the deadly incident started at about 8:30 a.m. on March 28. Officials say Hodges, of Sebastian, was driving a Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan northbound when he passed a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) sergeant at an estimated 100 mph. Hodges was reported to then make gestures and wave out the window at the trooper, who activated his flashing lights and siren. Authorities said Hodges turned down the exit ramp at State Road 520 and swerved onto the right shoulder to avoid cars. FHP said the Mercedes then slammed into the back of a tow truck, shredding the car, and spun across the roadway. Investigators said tow truck driver John Youmara was under the rear axle of the truck, preparing it to be towed by him, and became trapped beneath the wreckage. Three people were killed by the impact: Killed on impact were: Alicia M. Carter, 31, of Melbourne, Eleasya J. Fulton, 24, of Palm Bay Leon Holmes, 41, of Vero Beach Youmara was hospitalized with serious injuries and is recovering. Meanwhile, Hodges was hospitalized and later arrested at Holmes Regional Medical Center. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information gathered from previous reporting, as well as information shared by the Office of the State Attorney of the 18th Judicial Circuit in a news release on April 17, 2025.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Yahoo
Former Florida principal, teacher charged in drunken house party involving more than 100 students
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The State Attorney's Office for the 18th Judicial Circuit announced Tuesday that it has filed charges against two Florida educators accused of hosting a drunken house party that involved more than 100 students. According to an arrest affidavit, Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan, the former principal of Roosevelt Elementary School, and Karly Anderson, a former third-grade teacher, were arrested in January by the Cocoa Police Department. Officers said more than 100 students consumed alcohol during the principal's house party. Anderson was reportedly at the party as a guest. 'While officers were investigating the party, a juvenile was located on the front lawn experiencing an alcohol-related medical event,' officers said. 'The juvenile was so heavily intoxicated that Brevard County Fire Rescue had to respond to treat them.' Polk County principal accused of 'skip scanning' at Walmart self-checkout Students told officers that 'parties like this happen once or twice a month,' according to the affidavit. The students also said the party was advertised on Snapchat, and that Hill-Brodigan had students help prepare for it. Investigators were told that alcohol was readily available in multiple coolers, some people were using marijuana, and one student was seen pointing a gun at another person who was recording. NBC affiliate WESH reported that Brevard County Public Schools placed Hill-Brodigan and Anderson on leave during the investigation. Hill-Brodigan was charged with: One count of child neglect, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, five years probation, and a $5,000 fine. Five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a first-degree misdemeanor. Each count is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. One count of holding an open house party, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail, six months probation, and/or a $500 fine. Anderson was charged with: One count of disorderly conduct, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine One count of disorderly intoxication, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. 'Florida's laws dealing with open house parties and underage drinking are meant to keep our young people and communities safe. These laws are in place to deter the conduct that exposes our youth to harm and gives rise to these criminal charges,' State Attorney William Scheiner said. 'When laws are violated, the State Attorney's Office stands with law enforcement, the school board and the community we serve to hold the offenders accountable and ensure the safety of our youth.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
