WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Richard Harry Harrah III, 51, of Beckley, was sentenced to two to eight years in prison on October 30, 2024, for Conspiracy to Commit a Felony and Attempt to Commit a Felony.
Harrah pleaded guilty to both charges on September 5, 2024, following his involvement in a breaking and entering incident at the Bluestone Coal K2 Coal Preparation Plant in Wyoming County.
The incident occurred on May 25, 2024, when Sergeant Tyler Sizemore of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of a break-in at the coal processing facility near Burke Mountain. The investigation revealed extensive property damage and an attempted theft, and authorities identified a blue truck fleeing the scene. Shortly after, deputies located the vehicle on the highway, initiating a pursuit that ended with the detention of Harrah and others in the truck. Evidence of coal dirt and mud on Harrah matched the scene, confirming his involvement.
Wyoming County Prosecutor Gregory Bishop highlighted the broader impact of the crime, noting that the theft affected local businesses, workers’ salaries, and production timelines. Wyoming County Assistant Prosecutor Derek Laxton, who led the case, and the sheriff’s department were commended for their work in securing a conviction and ensuring accountability.
Sergeants Tyler Sizemore and Matthew Lane of the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department led the investigation, ultimately bringing Harrah to justice and concluding a case that affected the area’s economy and workforce.
