Several Sentenced to Prison in Mercer County Circuit Court, While Others Plead Guilty

MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – According to Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney Brian K. Cochran, several people were sentenced to prison today in the Circuit Court of Mercer County, while others pled guilty and will be sentenced at a later date.  Cochran said the following persons were sentenced to prison today by Circuit Court Judge Mark Wills.

Virginia Nester was sentenced to 10-30 years in prison after being convicted by a Mercer County jury on two counts of incest on March 12, 2025.  Nester was also ordered to register as a sex offender and further sentenced to 10 years of extended supervision upon release from prison. 

Franklin Carroll, II had his previous 10-25 year sentence to prison reinstated after previously being placed on probation, and later violating his probation.  Carroll had previously pled guilty to 2^nd or subsequent offense of failure to provide changes in sex offender registration.

Eric Smith was sentenced to 2-20 years in prison after previously pleading guilty to Burglary and Conspiracy, but this sentence was suspended for 3 years of probation.

Carl McKinney was sentenced to 2-10 years in prison after pleading guilty to 2 counts of failure to provide changes in sex offender registration, and driving on a revoked license for DUI.

Randy Howerton was sentenced to 3 years in prison for his previous guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, but the prison sentence was suspended, with two years of probation.

In addition to the above sentences, Cochran said that the following entered guilty pleas today before Judge Wills. 

Civantae Henderson entered guilty pleas today to three counts of Wanton Endangerment.  Henderson’s sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2025 at 9:45 am.

Sabrinia Wiley entered a guilty plea to Child Neglect Creating a Risk of Serios Bodily Injury.  Wiley is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28, 2025 at 9:30 am.      

 Cochran credited the various law enforcement agencies throughout Mercer County, and the staff at the prosecutor’s office for these successful results.