VA-COURTS

Teacher Convicted of Sexual Abuse - Restitution Appeal

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals affirmed a circuit court's order of restitution against Willie Edward Belmonte, Jr., a former teacher convicted of sexual abuse against a minor student. The court upheld the restitution amount, which included payments to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund for tutoring services.

West Virginia v. Victor Lee Thompson - Criminal Appeal Affirmed

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia affirmed the conviction of Victor Lee Thompson in criminal action No. 22-F-80. The court's opinion addresses several legal standards, including Rule 403 of the West Virginia Rules of Evidence and the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment.

West Virginia v. Victor Lee Thompson - Criminal Appeal Affirmed

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia affirmed the conviction of Victor Lee Thompson in criminal action No. 22-F-80. The court's opinion, filed on March 12, 2026, addresses several legal points related to evidence and constitutional rights.

State v. Belmonte - Sexual Abuse Conviction Appeal

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's order of restitution against Willie Edward Belmonte, Jr., who was convicted of sexual abuse. The court addressed the scope of restitution for tutoring expenses paid by the Crime Victims Compensation Fund.

Father Appeals Termination of Parental Rights - Case 24-697

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals is reviewing a father's appeal of the termination of his parental rights. The court has issued a memorandum decision vacating the lower court's order and remanding the case for further proceedings, citing potential issues with the dispositional hearing process.

Heber Otoniel Luna Contreras v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Judgment Affirmation

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed a judgment in the case of Heber Otoniel Luna Contreras v. Commonwealth of Virginia. The court found that the trial court did not err in denying a motion to dismiss the felony murder charge, and that principles of comity limit challenges to extradition decisions.

Romagna v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Child Abuse Conviction Affirmed

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed the felony child abuse convictions of Gabrielle Nadine Romagna. The court found sufficient evidence that Romagna willfully omitted necessary care for her two minor children, resulting in serious injuries including chemical burns and infections.

Davis v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Aggravated Malicious Wounding Conviction

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed a trial court's conviction of Igal Vondale Davis for aggravated malicious wounding. The court found sufficient evidence to prove malice and uphold the conviction, sentencing Davis to 20 years with 12 suspended.

St. John v. St. John - Property Valuation Dispute

The Court of Appeals of Virginia upheld a trial court's decision confirming a special commissioner's report that valued a property at $500,000. The court ordered the sale of the property to the majority owners, finding no error in the valuation or the sale order.

Cobbs v. Virginia - Judgment Affirmed

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed the conviction of Simon Dewitt Cobbs for abduction, assault and battery, and violations of a protective order. The court found sufficient evidence presented at trial to support the jury's verdict.