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1-10 years in pen. Defense asked for home confinement. Judge: betrayed public trust. Mayor alderson Travis Copenhaver asked higher sentence. Convicted words for mayor as she exited. Monroe CountyMore >> UNION (WVVA) - A woman convicted of embezzling funds from the town of Alderson will spend the next 1-10 years in prison. Jacalyn Ann "Jackie" Villars, former employee of the Town of Alderson, learnedMore >> FAIRLEA, W. Va (WVVA)-- A man is charged with arson after a fire at a Greenbrier County gas station.State Police said Cory Bowyer of Ronceverte set fire to a truck while pumping gas around 5 PM SundayMore >> FAIRLEA, W. Va (WVVA)-- A man is charged with arson after a fire at a Greenbrier County gas station.State Police said Cory Bowyer of Ronceverte set fire to a truck while pumping gas around 5 PM SundayMore >> PARRIS ISLAND, SC (WVVA) -- In early May, a WVVA crew traveled to Parris Island with a group of West Virginia educators to learn what it takes to make a U.S. Marine. The journey started before off theMore >> PARRIS ISLAND, SC (WVVA) -- In early May, a WVVA crew traveled to Parris Island with a group of West Virginia educators to learn what it takes to make a U.S. Marine. The journey started before off theMore >> WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va (WVVA)-- 3 New Jersey men are arrested after a disturbance at the Greenbrier Resort Casino.Police said in a criminal complaint that resort security asked Sean, Martin, andMore >> WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va (WVVA)-- 3 New Jersey men are arrested after a disturbance at the Greenbrier Resort Casino.Police said in a criminal complaint that resort security asked Sean, Martin, andMore >> BLUEFIELD Va. (WVVA) - The above slideshow was submitted to WVVA News via Facebook by Shirley Blackmon Grim. Shirley says this black bear visited her backyard on Sedgewood Street in Bluefield, Va., TuesdayMore >> BLUEFIELD Va. (WVVA) - The above slideshow was submitted to WVVA News via Facebook by Shirley Blackmon Grim. Shirley says this black bear visited her backyard on Sedgewood Street in Bluefield, Va., TuesdayMore >> CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Fayette County pill dealer who sold approximately 250 powerful prescription painkillers over a two-year period pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced U.S. AttorneyMore >> CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Fayette County pill dealer who sold approximately 250 powerful prescription painkillers over a two-year period pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced U.S. AttorneyMore >> BOISSEVAIN (WVVA) - A teenager was killed over the weekend after the dirt bike he was riding collided head-on with a truck. The accident happened around 4 p.m. on Saturday on route 657 near BoissevainMore >> BOISSEVAIN (WVVA) - A teenager was killed over the weekend after the dirt bike he was riding collided head-on with a truck. The accident happened around 4 p.m. on Saturday on route 657 near BoissevainMore >> MCDOWELL COUNTY (WVVA) - The McDowell County Sheriff's Department is investigating a murder that occurred in the early morning hours. Further details are not available this time. The Sheriff's DepartmentMore >> MCDOWELL COUNTY (WVVA) - A man is behind bars in McDowell County -- accused in the murder of an Avondale man. Wesley Payne, 54, of War has been charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of DonaldMore >> BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA)- A charity event in Beckley is working to raise money for the Women's Resource Center. The Chair-ity Auction will take place in Lewis Automotive Showroom in Beckley on May 17th.More >> BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA)- A charity event in Beckley is working to raise money for the Women's Resource Center. The Chair-ity Auction will take place in Lewis Automotive Showroom in Beckley on Friday. TheMore >>
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- West Virginia can ease prison and jail crowding by refocusing drug treatment efforts in the communities.
That's one emerging recommendation from a study of the state's crowding crisis by the Justice Reinvestment Initiative.
Project researchers updated state officials Monday and highlighted the role substance abuse plays in the criminal justice system.
The study has found that one in five people sent to prison committed drug-related offenses. Nearly two-thirds of inmates in prison after violating probation have substance abuse or addiction issues.
But the researchers say the probation or parole programs offer no substance-abuse services. They recommend changing that, while also improving services in prison and the state's day reporting centers.
The study suggests that West Virginia can reduce offenders committing new crimes by 30 percent with sufficient treatment services.
