Former Ronceverte Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jody Campbell was in Greenbrier County Circuit Court on Tuesday, Sept. 30 seeking a plea hearing. The charges against him stem from 2009, in which he, and other individuals involved with the fire department at that time, had allegedly taken fire department funds for personal use. Campbell is charged with one felony count of embezzlement in excess of $1,000 and one count of conspiracy to commit a felony.
Campbell’s attorney, Steve Hunter, advised presiding Judge Robert E. Richardson his client has been out on bond for five years and would like to see the matter resolved. Greenbrier County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Ryan Blake, instead, asked for more time, suggesting a status hearing in October. Although Campbell had previously waived his rights to a speedy trial, Richardson stated that by continuing the case, the three-term rule would not apply and the current term would not count. Campbell currently holds the longest pending case in Greenbrier County court. The continued status hearing is set for Oct. 28 at 3:30 p.m.