MATOAKA, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Mercer County woman was arrested on stalking and trespassing charges after deputies say she repeatedly returned to a Matoaka residence despite being told to stay away.
According to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 9:58 p.m. on August 9 to a home along Matoaka Road after a woman reported that Tabitha White was outside attempting to get inside.
The caller told 911 that White was shaking the doorknob and trying to open the door. She also reported hearing activity near a vehicle parked behind the residence and told dispatchers she was afraid White might gain entry into the home.
When Sgt. Addair arrived in the area, he reported seeing White crossing from the direction of the residence into Route 10. According to the complaint, White then squatted in the roadway and appeared to scrape an unknown object against the pavement.
White was detained while deputies investigated.
The homeowner told deputies White had repeatedly returned to the property despite not being welcome there and having previously been told not to return. She said White had attempted to enter the residence multiple times and had also been seen around vehicles on the property.
Investigators reviewed recent 911 calls and determined the August 9 incident was the fifth call involving White at or near the residence since August 1, according to the complaint.
Police records cited in the complaint show deputies and other law enforcement officers had responded to multiple previous reports involving White, including allegations that she was sitting outside the residence, trespassing on the property and possibly tampering with vehicles.
During one of those earlier incidents, an officer reportedly instructed White not to return to the property.
Based on the repeated calls, the homeowner’s statements and White’s alleged continued presence despite prior warnings, deputies determined there was probable cause to charge her with stalking and trespassing.
White was arrested and taken to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department for processing before being transported to Southern Regional Jail to await arraignment.
The charges are allegations, and White is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
