BECKLEY, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – Tuesday afternoon, Judge H. L. Kirkpatrick set bond for one of two individuals involved in the kidnapping and beating of a man.
Joshua Lafferty of Beckley was charged with malicious wounding, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a felony in May, after he and another man, James Demetris Meeks-Little of Michigan, kidnapped a man, holding him captive in a dog kennel. Meeks-Little was arrested in June.
When found, the victim was badly injured and suffered from multiple lacerations, contusions and what appeared to be a broken arm. He was transported to the hospital for his injuries. While being treated, the victim told police that he was being held against his will while the suspects demanded he pay them money. The victim also said that Lafferty beat him with a shovel during his captivity.
Lafferty was transported to Southern Regional Jail following his arrest.
Prosecuting Attorney Tom Truman, who represented the State of West Virginia on Tuesday, stated that Lafferty’s bond was in regard to the kidnapping charge.
According to Truman, Judge Kirkpatrick set the bond at $100,000 with home incarceration. He was not able to give information on possible bonds for the remaining charges.
Truman noted that Lafferty has yet to be indicted, stating that the earliest date the indictment could occur would be the September term of court.
Stay with Lootpress as this story develops.
