WHEELING, W.Va. (AP) - A West Virginia woman has been sentenced to more than four years in prison for robbing banks in three states.

Thirty-one-year-old Christine Joy Martin of Davisville was sentenced Thursday in federal court in Wheeling.

She pleaded guilty in April to robbing banks last year in Marion County, West Virginia; Washington County, Pennsylvania, and Athens County, Ohio.

The three unarmed robberies totaled $4,500.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - West Virginia prison officials have tapped a career law enforcement officer to crack down on illegal drug smuggling.

Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety Secretary Jeff Sandy has named Jack Luikart as director of correctional substance abuse control.

The department says in a news release that Sandy will target drug smuggling into prisons, jails and juvenile facilities, help train correctional officers and staff on drug prevention and investigations, and work with high-risk juveniles and young adult inmates.

Luikart retired in February from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office after 30 years of law enforcement service. Luikart focused on drug crimes for much of that career.

The Division of Corrections, Regional Jail Authority and the Division of Juvenile Services operate 26 facilities housing nearly 11,000 adult inmates and about 280 juveniles.

A South Charleston man pleaded guilty this week to second-degree murder in the September 2016 shooting death of another man during a fight over a woman

De'Antony Akeem Thornabar, 21, pleaded guilty as part of a plea agreement with Kanawha County prosecutors.

His sentencing is set for Aug. 30 in front of Kanawha Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey.

Thornabar and Dylan Bailey went to Oakes Field in South Charleston last September to fight. According to a criminal complaint, Bailey was winning the fight when Thornabar told him to stop. Thornabar allegedly then got a gun from Robert Earl Riffin, a teenager who was standing nearby, and shot Bailey in the back as he was walking away. Bailey died several hours later.

Riffin has also been indicted on a murder charge in Bailey's death. Riffin is being tried as an adult, even though he was only 17 years old when Bailey was killed.

A woman who police say was intentionally set on fire as she slept on a Randolph Street porch has died of her injuries, Charleston police said Saturday morning.

Rachel Jarrett died Friday evening, Lt. Steve Cooper, chief of detectives for the Charleston Police Department, said.

Carl Magee III, 34, is accused of setting fire to Jarrett as she slept last week on the porch of an abandoned house on the city's West Side. Jarrett had been at Cabell Huntington Hospital.

Before Saturday, Magee was charged with attempted murder, first-degree arson and malicious wounding. Cooper said Magee's charges have now been upgraded to first-degree murder and first-degree arson. The fire took place July 23 in the 400 block of Randolph Street.

Police have described both Jarrett and Magee as homeless. Cooper previously has said that Jarrett was not Magee's intended target in the attack.

Cooper said Saturday he is relieved that police found and arrested Magee.

"It would be more unfortunate if were weren't able to get justice for this victim," Cooper said. "It would be more unfortunate if he were still at large."

Cooper offered condolences to Jarrett's family, children and friends.

"Anything we can do for the family, we're here for them," Cooper said.

The West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety has hired a director of correctional substance abuse control.

Jack Luikart, who retired from the Putnam County Sheriff's Department in February after 30 years in law enforcement, started earlier this month, according to a news release.

The release said he will "target the smuggling of contraband narcotics, help train correctional officers and staff on drug prevention and investigations, and work directly with young adult inmates and high-risk juveniles."

He will provide at-risk youth at juvenile facilities and high schools with "the true facts in regard to the consequences of drug abuse," according to the release.

Deputy Secretary Thom Kirk said, in a statement, Luikart's "vast experience with drug enforcement coupled with his passion to protect and preserve the youth in this state against the devastating effects of drug abuse makes him an ideal fit in our global plan to fight drugs throughout West Virginia."

Luikart commanded the Putnam County office of the Metro Drug Unit for nearly a decade.

Luikart said, in a statement, he looked forward to the role and working to "help to curb the cycle of drug abuse in our state." Lawrence Messina, spokesman for the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety, did not respond to requests for an interview with Luikart Friday.

So far in 2017, jails in West Virginia have recorded 43 people receiving 72 Narcan injections, according to Messina. Narcan is a brand of naloxone, a drug used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Of those, five of the people, and six of the injections, were from South Central Regional Jail.

The Charleston Fire Department responded to one overdose at South Central in 2013, according to Lt. David Hodges, director of emergency medical services operations. It didn't respond to any in 2014. In 2015, it responded to one. In 2016, it responded to four. So far in 2017, it has responded to eight, Hodges said. He noted not all involved opiates.

Capt. Mark Strickland, of the Charleston Fire Department, a paramedic and shift supervisor, responds to South Central Regional Jail during his 24-hour shift whenever the call is a possible overdose.

"That is a very obvious place where you should probably expect drugs," he said. "They get in schools. They get in workplaces. They get in everywhere. You tell me a place where you can guarantee there's absolutely no drugs, I'll buy you a steak dinner."

Another 16 of the people, and 33 of the injections, were from Western Regional Jail.

Sgt. R.S. Charlton, of the State Police Huntington detachment, said drug smuggling at Western Regional Jail is "relatively frequent."

"It's more of a commodity than it is out here because it is restrictive, and it's harder to get in," he said. "You've got people constantly trying to figure out ways to get it in there."

"Without me being rude and crude about some of the ways they sneak stuff in, there's not a whole lot else I can tell you," he said.

In April 2016, a Dunbar man died in his cell at South Central Regional Jail. The family said they believe he died from alcohol withdrawal. State officials would not say whether he was assessed for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal at the time. Messina said in an email Friday the jails screen for "individuals who require the detoxification protocol."

In a March news release, Messina also said that, of 44,000 inmates booked into a regional jail last year, nearly 19,000 had to be placed on a detox or withdrawal program.

The news release was sent to announce the regional jail system had begun giving inmates photocopied mail because people were coating mailings with drugs.

Also in April 2016, the Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority announced a substance abuse treatment unit at Southwestern Regional Jail, in Logan County. The Division of Corrections was already operating similar units in state prisons.

Luikart's position is paid for with money allotted for unfilled vacancies.

"All correctional agencies will contribute toward his salary to keep the department within its current personnel budget," the release states.

Staff writer Giuseppe Sabella contributed to this report.

Reach Erin Beck at 304-348-5163,

erin.beck@wvgazettemail.com,

Facebook.com/erinbeckwv, or follow

@erinbeckwv on Twitter.

Marriages

The following people filed for marriage licenses in Kanawha County between July 20 and 27, 2017:

Bobby Lee Walls, 25, and Ronda Mae Armentrout, 26, both of Marmet.

Andrew Adam Harper, 28, and Tiffany Ann Snyder, 26, both of Charleston.

James Edwin Nelson, 28, and Andrea Elizabeth Lewis, 32, both of Charleston.

Justin Slugger Dienes, 34, and Amanda Lynn Holstein, 26, both of Charleston.

Bryan Joseph Pauley, 36, and Andrea Michelle Oxendine, 25, both of Cross Lanes.

Travis Edward Cox, 41, of Charleston and Pamela Denise Bender, 44, of Heaters.

Chance Jered Chapman, 26, of Duck and Emily Elizabeth Arthur, 27, of Charleston.

Christopher Lee Woodrum, 21, and Talia Renee Meadows, 28, both of St. Albans.

Cody Lee Higginbotham, 28, and Tiffany Nicole Brown, 30, both of St. Albans.

James Christopher Allred, 45, and Rachel Ann Lester, 47, both of South Charleston.

Theon Rasaad Anderson, 38, and Yolanda Marie Harris, 44, both of South Charleston.

Shelayne Victoria Carter, 22, and Christina Thi Le, 23, both of South Charleston.

James Marion Bailey, 30, and Megan Colleen Callaghan, 27, both of South Charleston.

Steven Lee Dewees, 32, and Megan Elizabeth Myers, 25, both of Elkview.

Pratikkumar Popatlal Patel, 34, and Rita Ramesh Patel, 34, both of Charleston.

Jonathan Kayne Ellington, 23, and Kimberly Ann Cooper, 25, both of Hernshaw.

Charles Scott Driver, 45, and Shannon Lorraine King, 31, both of Charleston.

Thomas Randall Watkins, 65, and Rebecca Belle Murphy, 59, both of Elkview.

Samuel Joseph Speciale, 27, and Mikaela Raye Keener , 22, both of Charleston.

Shawn Michael Penix, 27, and Kendra Nicole Whittington, 23, both of Sissonville.

The following people filed for marriage licenses in Putnam County between July 21 and 27, 2017.

William Jacob Rouse, 32, and Rachel Marie Chaviers, 32, both of Hurricane.

Zackary David Chumbley, 21, and Rosa Allison Salmons, 21, both of Hurricane.

Brendan Michael Hatfield, 21, and Brittani Paige Elmore, 21, both of Winfield.

Zackary Dean Ballard, 21, and Courtney Lauren Hayslett, 22, both of Hurricane.

Ronald Lee Hamrick Jr, 37, and Janna Rose Arvidson,31, both of Winfield.

Divorces

The following people filed for divorce in Kanawha County between July 20 and 27, 2017:

James Edward Inghram from Leslie Ann Inghram

George Wesley Call from Helen Louise Victoria Call

Jennifer Ferraro-Woodson from Albert L. Woodson

Michael Shawn McNeely from Shahida Tarasova McNeely

Delila Ann Miller from John Melvin Miller Jr.

Damon A. Davis from Amy N. Workman

Jordan Nelson McKinley from Heather Velene McKinley

Sylvia Naomi Fields from Gerald Leslie Fields

Sean Michael Evans from Caren Renee Evans

Brooke A. Fisher from Timothy R. Fisher

Thomas Allen Lahey from Billi Dawn Lahey

Devon Elizabeth Pickering from James Edward Pickering

Richard L. Collins from Sheri L. Collins

Amber Lynn Napier from David Jeffrey Napier III

The following people filed for divorce in Putnam County between July 14 and 27, 2017.

Quinlan McCracken from Alyssa McCracken.

Brandy L. Topham from Christopher Topham.

Timothy Vannoy from Julie Vannoy.

Jason A. Blackburn from Meredith Blackburn.

Kristina Hively from Glen Hively.

Grant K. Gunnoe Jr. from Staci Gunnoe.

Lena M. Shandor from Barry J. Shandor.

Timothy Conley from Megan Conley.

Sandra K. Jeffers from Jerry A. Jeffers.

Property transfers

The following property transfers of $75,000 or more were recorded in Kanawha County between July 20 and 27, 2017:

WV Trustee Services LLC to Planet Home Lending LLC. Lot, Charleston South Annex District, $105,850.

WV Trustee Services LLC to JP Morgan Chase Bank. Lot, Union District, $87,600.

Lisa Marie Harris Gibson to Barry C. Stover. Lot, Poca District, $208,000.

Bradley S. Persinger to Samantha B. and Paul A. Burgess. Lot, Loudon District, $270,000.

Ariella Silberman to John R. and Julie A. Hambell. Lot, Charleston, $233,500.

Shirley F. Hagerman to Ling Chen and Xu Dan Zheng. Lot, Union District, $233,500.

Whirlwind Properties LLC to Sandi Gleason. Lot, Spring Hill District, $166,250.

Walter J. Hatfield to Thomas E. II and Stephanie E. Mallory. Lot, Elk River District, $170,000.

Lee R. and Ruth P. Hayes to Jamison Miller. Parcel, Charleston, $117,500.

Christopher D. and Tracie L. Deweese to Larry A. II and Beth A. Scott. Lot, Poca District, $390,000.

A&M Properties and Investments LLC and Montani Properties LLC to Jordan L. Epling. Parcel, St. Albans. $165,900.

Benjamin R. and Sarah E. Beakes to Sara E. Brown. Lots, Union District, $156,500.

Jerry Michael and Diane Sue Melton to Annette M. White. Lots, Dunbar, $76,000.

Jerry W. and Karin L. Mullins to Dennis A. and Carrie R. Cooper. Parcel, Elk District, $167,500.

William E. Dennis and Rosemary Cardenas to Richard T. Jr. and Elisha F. Holleron. Lot, South Charleston, $158,000.

Jason Scott and Tracie Renee Newhouse to James A. Lawson III. Lots, Poca District, $149,900.

Wesbanco Bank Inc. to Robert W. III and Monica P. Lowe. Lot, St. Albans, $89,000.

Ashley D. McCallister to Justin Adkins. Lot, South Charleston District, $125,000.

Loretta Myers to Eric Coulter. Parcel, Elk District, $83,000.

Dianne S. Ellis to Harold and Rose Moles. Lot, Charleston, $293,000.

Harold Moles to David K. and Stephanie L. Hendrickson. Lot, Charleston South Annex District, 400,000.

Benjamin S. Ashley to Brenda K. Thompson. Lot, Charleston, $244,000.

Bruce D. Speer, Gary W. Melvin and Alex Melvin to Chong Ryee Properties LLC and Hye Ryee Properties LLC. Lot, Union District, 2,898,000.

WV Trustee Services LLC to JPMorgan Chase Bank. Lot, Washington District, $101,400.

Pill and Pill PLLC to Deutsche Bank National Trust Company. Lot, South Charleston, $112,500.

O.E. Estep to Elliott Family Partnership LP. Condominium, Charleston, $125,000.

Terri L. Ranson to Lindsey M. Begley. Lot, Union District, $91,000.

Rhonda L. Alderman, David A. Igo, Steven P. McFann and Kimberly M. McFann to Patrick Herald Lively and Christina Lee Smith. Lot, Jefferson District, $105,000.

Mary J. Haynes and Evelyn Starcher to Christopher A. and Heather L. Jarrett. Parcel, Washington District, $139,000.

David K. Clark to Shane E. and Erin E. Baumgardner. Lot, Jefferson District, $170,000.

Stephanie D. and Martin J. Wright Jr. to David A. and Megan F. Bosak. Lots, Loudon District, $334,900.

Anna J. Young to Hubert Allen and Darla Dee Bleigh. Lot, Union District, $235,950.

Jeffrey Chase Pickering and Jeffrey Glenn Pickering to Kevin Eisentrout. Condominium, Charleston, $79,000.

Tate Rentals to Barnett Rentals, LLC. Lot, Union District, $90,000.

Marsha D. Mullins, Charlotte Fawn Maner and Pamela Sue Vencill to Pamela S. Vencill and Beth Ann Vencill. Parcel, Charleston North District, $115,000.

Eugene D. and Delores J. Skaggs to William M. and Vicki L. Ganim. Lot, Charleston, $160,000.

Jamison S. Miller to Amber E. Smith. Lot, Jefferson District, $115,000.

Larry T. and Breanna Wilson to Benjamin and Kristen A. Barker. Lot, Washington District, $425,000.

John Pignato, Roberta Fowlkes and Melinda Pignato to Terry D. and Linda H. Greenlee. Lots, Dunbar, $240,000.

Jennifer C. Shomo to Bradley D. Gritt and Andrea B. Tracewell. Lot, South Charleston, $145,000.

Robyn G. Lewis and Marshall V. Stawther Jr. Parcel, Jefferson District, $ 94,500.

Fredrick L. and Jennifer R. Griffith to Maria A. Lawson. Lot, Elk District, $104,000.

Robert N. and Mary H. Harden to A&M Properties and Investments LLC. Parcel, South Charleston, $75,000.

R. Stephen and Susan K. Horner to William D. Wolfe and Travis I. Hogbin. Lot, Charleston District, $133,900.

Michael Y. Rutherford to Charles T. Hamilton. Lots, Marmet, $100,000.

The following property transfers of more than $75,000 were recorded in Putnam County between July 21 and 27, 2017.

Robert W. Peters to Brandon Shad Ridgely and Kristi Barker. Lots, Scott District, $180,777.

Love Lee Constriction Inc. to Kelli Jo and Jeffrey Eugene Dixon Jr. Lot, Teays Valley, $249,450.

Mark H. Mitchell to Elizabeth Mills Properties LLC. Lot, Teays Valley, $400,000.

Joan P. Hessler to Trisha A. and Joseph K. Buck. 2.599 acres, Curry District, $184,500.

WV Land Holding LLC to Derek Carpenter. Lot, Teays Valley, $267,900.

Clark H. Stephan to Morn Daeng and Jason S. Stephens. Lot, Teays Valley, $130,000.

Kenneth Ray Lovejoy to Joshua E. and Kelly Donahue. Lots, North Nitro, $105,000.

CR Hayes Construction to Garron A. and Britni N. Ross. Lot, Scott District, $270,000.

Cameo Norris and Michael J. Hehe to Joan Adams. Lot, Scott District, $325,000.

Arnold A. Hayes to Tonya L. and Robert F. VanFossen Jr. Lot, Scott District, $176,000.

Robert Dwight Harris to Nicholas Charles Meadows. Lot, Curry District, $136,500.

Gregory W. and Heather L. Bowles to William T. and Angela Hill. Parcels, Union District, $250,000.

Paula D. Wandling to Joseph F. Thomas Jr. Lot, Poca, $160,000.

Kermit Lee McDaniel to Tyler S. Dailey. Lot, Curry District, $100,000.

T. Brown Construction Company to Griffin McCabe. Acres, Curry District, $203,000.

John and Emma Sue Berta to Michael and Joan Hathaway. Acres, Eleanor, $255,000.

Jennifer M. Matthews to Colton Whittington and Megan Perraut. Lot, Scott District, $182,000.

William B., Brenda E., Sandra K., Stephen E., David M. and Paul A. Browning to Lawrence E. and Betty L. Pistore. Lot, Eleanor, $93,000.

Charles and Diane Bedwell to Columbia Gas Transmission LLC. Right of way, Union District, $91,696.36.

Michael D. Stover to Columbia Gas Transmission LLC. Right of way, Union District, $116,679.50.

Amy and Michel Moffatt to Lisa J. Lanham. Lot, Hurricane, $155,000.

Bankruptcies

The bankruptcies listed below are limited to those filed by residents or companies in the Gazette-Mail's circulation area. Chapter 7 designates the liquidation of non-exempt property; Chapter 11 calls for business reorganization; Chapter 13 establishes a schedule of payments to creditors. The following bankruptcies were filed between July 21 and 28, 2017:

Herma Elaine Poindexter, West Hamlin, Chapter 7. Assets: $22,681, Liabilities: $35,058.

Clarence Howard Fields, Delbarton, Chapter 7. Assets: $21,500, Liabilities: $174,872.

Patrick William Kauff, Oak Hill, Chapter 7. Assets: $78,963, Liabilities: $135,235.

Ashleigh Nichole Scarberry, Ripley, Chapter 7. Assets: $11,662, Liabilities: $68,897.

Casey Morgan Eskew, Charleston, Chapter 7. Assets: $25,574,Liabilities: $68,807.

David Wayne Smith, Oak Hill, Chapter 7. Assets: $23,938, Liabilities: $27,784.

Darin Keith and Heather Dawn Stafford, Oak Hill Chapter 7. Assets: $200,853, Liabilities: $238,960.

Tiffany Mae Kimble, Charleston, Chapter 7. Assets: $97,617, Liabilities: $188,971.

V'ronica Reshea Roachell, Ripley, Chapter 7. Assets: $13,179, Liabilities: $63,989.

Marsha Lynn Miller, Sandyville, Chapter 7. Assets: $9,750, Liabilities: $39,890.

Charles David Bird, Charleston, Chapter 7. Assets: $3,154, Liabilities: $80,600.

Betty L. Lucas, Branchland, Chapter 7. Assets: $3,850, Liabilities: $33,407.

Johnny Winfred and Tina Marie Fouch, Matewan, Chapter 7. Assets: $24,281, Liabilities: $68,527.

Danny Ray Ratliff, Chattaroy, Chapter 7. Assets: $77,168, Liabilities: $71,903.

Michael Wayne and Alicia Victoria Chapman, Nellis, Chapter 7. Assets: $48,923, Liabilities: $172,254.

Paul Eddie Perdue, Comfort, Chapter 7. Assets: $48,700, Liabilities: $9,386.

Leila Dian Erickson, Flat Top, Chapter 7. Assets: $6,798, Liabilities: $15,439.

John Franklin Parkulo, Daniels, Chapter 7. Assets: $213,466, Liabilities: $251,531.

Kenneth Eugene and Teresa Gay Lowe, White Sulphur Springs, Chapter 7. Assets: $139,849.17, Liabilities: $157,411.

David Ray and Krystal Lynn Akers, Cool Ridge, Chapter 7. Assets: $20,438, Liabilities: $40,729.

Stephen Michael and Tonya Renee Barnette, Charmco, Chapter 7. Assets: $115,142, Liabilities: $140,172.

Jennifer Lynn Crouse, Bradley, Chapter 7. Assets: $50,275, Liabilities: $36,210.

Shawn Eugene and Rowlenia Annagail Goff, Lester, Chapter 7. Assets: $34,611, Liabilities: $29,022.

Gregory Scott Moore, Charleston, Chapter 13. Assets: Unknown, Liabilities: Unknown .

Timothy Duane and Rachel Ann Craven, Williamson, Chapter 13. Assets: $61,592, Liabilities: $80,805.

David Wayne Wooding and Shirley Jean Jones-Wooding, Cross Lanes, Chapter 13. Assets: $216,775, Liabilities: $242,771.

Tammie Lynn Lilly, Flat Top, Chapter 13. Assets: $103,447, Liabilities: $173,252.

The following crimes were reported to the Charleston Police Department between July 20 and 27, 2017:

East District:

Renaissance Circle 1300 block, burglary, July 20, 11:33 a.m.

Lee Street East 200 block, breaking and entering auto, July 20, 8:06 p.m.

Vista View Drive 1300 block, petit larceny, July 21, 2 a.m.

Donnally Street 500 block, petit larceny, July 21, 9 a.m.

Lee Street East 200 block, shoplifting, July 21, 4:30 p.m.

Piedmont Road 1500 block, breaking and entering auto, July 21, 6:30 p.m.

Charleston Town Center, shoplifting, July 21, 7:41 p.m.

Renaissance Circle 1300 block, burglary, July 22, 5 p.m.

Lee Street East 1500 block, breaking and entering auto, July 22, 8 p.m.

Capitol Street 1st block, petit larceny, July 22, 8:30 p.m.

Lee Street East 200 block, grand larceny, July 22, 9:30 p.m.

Court Street 300 block, breaking and entering auto, July 22, 11:30 p.m.

Quarrier Street 1100 block, petit larceny, July 23, 11:30 a.m.

Smith Street 800 block, brandishing, July 23, 7:19 p.m.

Court Street 300 block, breaking and entering auto, July 23, 8 p.m.

Summers Street 300 block, breaking and entering auto, July 24, 8:15 a.m.

Kanawha Boulevard East 100 block, petit larceny auto, July 24, 9 p.m.

Kanawha Boulevard East 1500 block, brandishing, July 24, 10:15 p.m.

Morris Street 600 block, petit larceny auto, July 24, 11:45 p.m.

Kanawha Boulevard East 100 block, breaking and entering auto, July 25, midnight.

Kanawha Boulevard East 100 block, grand larceny auto, July 25, 3 a.m.

Morris Street 600 block, breaking and entering, July 26, 12:45 a.m.

McFarland Street 100 block, breaking and entering auto, July 26, 2:45 p.m.

South District:

MacCorkle Avenue Southeast 6300 block, breaking and entering, July 20, 12:15 a.m.

Hickory Road 1100 block, burglary, July 20, 9 a.m.

Dorchester Road 1500 block, wanton endangerment, July 20, 12:30 p.m.

U.S. 119/Fledderjohn Road, wanton endangerment, July 20, 5:15 p.m.

RHL Boulevard 200 block, shoplifting, July 20, 9:50 p.m.

Grosscup Road first block, burglary, July 21, 3:07 a.m.

Grosscup Road first block, breaking and entering auto, July 21, 3:07 a.m.

Oakwood Road 200 block, grand larceny auto, July 21, 5:53 p.m.

Dorchester Road 1500 block, burglary, July 21, 10 p.m.

Lancaster Avenue 4900 block, petit larceny, July 22, noon.

MacCorkle Avenue 5700 block, shoplifting, July 22, 7:30 p.m.

Kanawha Mall, shoplifting, July 22, 9 p.m.

Kanawha Mall, shoplifting, July 23, 3:30 p.m.

Kanawha Mall, shoplifting, July 23, 4:30 p.m.

MacCorkle Avenue Southeast 6300 block, petit larceny, July 24, 4:30 a.m.

MacCorkle Avenue 5700 block, grand larceny, July 24, noon.

Virginia Avenue 5400 block, burglary, July 24, 5 p.m.

Dorchester Road 100 block, grand larceny auto, July 24, 10 p.m.

Cantley Drive first block, breaking and entering auto, July 25, 2 a.m.

MacCorkle Avenue Southeast 6500 block, grand larceny auto, July 25, 6:32 a.m.

MacCorkle Avenue Southeast 2300 block, breaking and entering auto, July 25, 12:55 p.m.

Alex Lane 100 block, petit larceny, July 25, 1:45 p.m.

Hayes Avenue 200 block, breaking and entering auto, July 25, 3 p.m.

MacCorkle Avenue Southeast 6300 block, petit larceny auto, July 25, 8 p.m.

Kanawha Mall, shoplifting, July 26, 1:45 p.m.

RHL Boulevard 200 block, shoplifting, July 26, 2:45 p.m.

MacCorkle Avenue Southeast 5000 block, shoplifting, July 26, 4:10 p.m.

West District:

Madison Street 1000 block, petit larceny, July 20, 8 a.m.

Randolph Street 300 block, breaking and entering auto, July 20, 10:29 a.m.

Elm Street 400 block, malicious wounding, July 20, 1 p.m.

Elm Street 400 block, robbery, July 20, 1 p.m.

Kanawah Boulevard West 500 block, grand larceny, July 20, 5:30 p.m.

26th Street 400 block, grand larceny auto, July 20, 9 p.m.

Grant Street 600 block, grand larceny auto, July 21, 1 a.m.

Washington Street West 1500 block, petit larceny, July 21, 2:30 a.m.

Grove Avenue 900 block, burglary, July 21, 2:50 a.m.

Avon Street 100 block, breaking and entering auto, July 21, 2:52 p.m.

26th Street West 400 block, burglary, July 21, 10 p.m.

Washington Street West 400 block, shoplifting, July 21, 10:38 p.m.

Amity Drive 700 block, breaking and entering auto, July 22, 5:25 p.m.

Amity Drive 700 block, grand larceny auto, July 22, 5:25 p.m.

Bigley Avenue 1600 block, shoplifting, July 22, 5:57 p.m.

Washington Street West 400 block, shoplifting, July 22, 9:20 p.m.

6th Avenue Street 1900 block, grand larceny auto, July 23, midnight.

Randolph Street 400 block, first-degree murder, July 23, 6:30 a.m.

5th Avenue 1900 block, breaking and entering, July 23, 7:50 a.m.

Monongalia Street 200 block, petit larceny, July 24, 12:50 a.m.

4th Avenue 1900 block, burglary, July 24, 10:30 a.m.

Tennessee Avenue 300 block, breaking and entering, July 24, 11 a.m.

West Avenue 800 block, burglary, July 24, 1 p.m.

Park Avenue 800 block, burglary, July 24, 2 p.m.

Spring Street first block, shoplifting, July 24, 3:34 p.m.

Washington Street West 700 block, grand larceny, July 24, 4 p.m.

7th Avenue 3600 block, petit larceny, July 24, 7 p.m.

Stuart Street 1400 block, petit larceny, July 2, 3:12 a.m.

Bigley Avenue 1300 block, shoplifting, July 25, 3:30 a.m.

Bigley Avenue 1300 block, assault of an officer, July 25, 3:30 a.m.

7th Avenue 1900 block, petit larceny auto, July 25, 4:13 a.m.

4th Avenue 1700 block, grand larceny, July 25, 8:57 a.m.

Scraggs Drive 2000 block, domestic battery, July 25, 2 p.m.

Scraggs Drive 2000 block, domestic assault, July 25, 2 p.m.

Wood Road 600 block, breaking and entering, July 25, 3:30 p.m.

West Avenue 800 block, burglary, July 25, 5 p.m.

Kanawha Boulevard West 1400 block, grand larceny auto, July 25, 11:15 p.m.

Randolph Street 600 block, grand larceny auto, July 26, 1:30 a.m.

Barker Lane 500 block, breaking and entering auto, July 26, 4:30 p.m.

Barker Lane 500 block, petit larceny, July 26, 4:30 p.m.

Kanawha Boulevard West 1600 block, petit larceny, July 26, 7:08 p.m.

Homer Street 1200 block, domestic battery, July 26, 11:26 p.m.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - A new look at juvenile life without parole following a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year is having a small effect in West Virginia, which three years ago banned no-parole sentences for minors and subsequently reviewed the sentences of those already in prison.

West Virginia lawmakers enacted a measure in 2014 that said offenders age 17 and younger convicted of serious crimes shall be eligible for parole after serving 15 years. The state parole board applied the legislation retroactively, and identified seven juvenile lifers in murder cases for whom the new terms were applied.

The state action came after the U.S. Supreme Court in 2012 banned mandatory life without parole for juveniles under 18 convicted of murder. Last year, the court said the ruling was retroactive for the more than 2,000 offenders serving such sentences nationwide, and that all but the rare irredeemable juvenile offender should have a chance at parole one day.

The state currently has no juveniles serving life without parole, said Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety spokesman Lawrence Messina. Messina said the parole board also applied the 2014 legislation retroactively to juveniles who were convicted as adults and received consecutive sentences. One such offender received a hearing in December 2014 and was granted parole.

According to Messina, the seven former juvenile lifers are:

- William Wayne, now 59, who got life without parole for the February 1975 murder of a Wood County shopkeeper and for the November 1979 murder of a state trooper during his escape from the West Virginia Penitentiary at Moundsville.

- John Moss Jr., 55, convicted of the December 1979 murders of a Kanawha County woman and her two children, 7 and 4.

- Lawrence Redman, 50, convicted of the September 1984 murder of a Berkeley County shopkeeper for $104 in pennies.

- Larry Hall II, 40, convicted of a March 1995 beating death in Taylor County.

- Cecil "Clay" Holcomb III, 39, convicted of the May 1993 murders of his parents in Fayette County.

Those five all were denied parole during 2014 hearings and will next appear before the panel in September. The other cases are:

- Michael Day, 32, convicted of the June 2002 murder of a homeless veteran in Cabell County. Day also was convicted of felony conspiracy. His parole hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9.

- Kelly Chapman, 24, convicted of the November 2008 murder of his intended victim's unborn child in Kanawha County. His parole hearing is scheduled for October 2023.

A Kanawha County businessman is in federal custody after he allegedly solicited and distributed child pornography throughout 2014.

Christopher Chad Winnell, 36, allegedly possessed and traded images of minors "engaging in sexually explicit content," according to an indictment handed up last week. An indictment is a formal accusation of a crime and does not establish guilt.

Six charges related to child pornography were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia.

He previously served as vice president of the Twin City Stars gymnasium in Marmet, according to the secretary of state.

Before the state revoked its license in 2013, the facility offered cheerleading and gymnastics classes to children between the ages of 3 to 18, its website states.

Winnell also worked in the communications field. The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers listed him as secretary of the state chapter in 2010.

It also listed him as a director in 2015, and as an employee of Suddenlink Communications.

The agency's former president once called Winnell "instrumental" in helping to certify Suddenlink's technical staff.

Winnell also faced a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery in 2009, according to records in Kanawha County Magistrate Court.

The victim declined to "press charges, appear to testify, or give a statement," according to the records, and Winnell avoided prosecution.

Police filed the charge after they found him smoking a cigarette in his home bathroom - a gun nearby, the complaint states.

Authorities responded to the home after Winnell allegedly pulled his wife's hair and then tried to rip out her body piercing, according to the complaint.

Winnell told police he wanted to die, the complaint states. The officers later confiscated three guns from the home.

The U.S. Marshals Service is now holding him without bond on the pornography charges. He remained at Southern Regional Jail on Monday evening.

An arraignment hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m. in Beckley. Magistrate Judge Omar Aboulhosn will oversee the hearing.

Reach Giuseppe Sabella at giuseppe.sabella@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5189 or follow @Gsabella on Twitter.

A former Marshall University football player on Monday pleaded guilty in Cabell County Circuit Court to assaulting two men he saw kissing in Huntington in April 2015.

Steward Butler pleaded guilty to two counts of misdemeanor battery during a hearing before Judge Paul T. Farrell, but he did not admit to using any anti-gay language during a verbal altercation prior to the physical assault, said Assistant Prosecutor Lauren Plymale.

Plymale said Butler's plea was "a little unexpected."

"I wish he'd stated the real reason he hit them, but at least he took some responsibility for what he did," Plymale said after the hearing Monday.

Butler was accused of exiting a vehicle traveling on 5th Avenue after seeing two men kiss on April 5, 2015. Prosecutors said Butler used anti-gay slurs toward the men during the argument that ended with Butler assaulting the men.

Each conviction of misdemeanor battery is punishable by up to one year in jail and a $500 fine, per state code, so Butler faces up to two years in jail and a $1,000 fine when he's sentenced on Sept. 25.

There were no deals or other pre-determined agreements between prosecutors and Butler's defense team relating to Butler's plea Monday, Plymale said.

"We've been in contact with [the victims] throughout this case, and we told them there wasn't going to be an offer for a deal," Plymale said. "We didn't have a deal today, and there was never going to be an offer."

During Monday's hearing, Butler also said he would not be able to pass a drug test, if one were ordered by Farrell.

The West Virginia Supreme Court announced in May that justices had found Butler could not be charged with a hate crime under state law. West Virginia's hate crimes law includes protections for people discriminated against based on sex, but not sexual orientation.

Cabell County prosecutors had argued that Butler should still be charged with a hate crime, based on discrimination due to sex. They had argued that he was discriminating against the couple based on his own expectations of how men should behave.

Solicitor General Elbert Lin had taken the lead for the defense during oral arguments before the Supreme Court. The attorney general's office, and Raymond Nolan, Butler's attorney, had argued the Legislature clearly intended sexual orientation to be left out of the code.

Cabell Judge Paul Farrell also said, when dismissing hate crime charges against Butler, that the Legislature intended to leave sexual orientation out of the law.

Some civil rights advocates in the state have said that while they believe sexual orientation should be added to the code, they want judges to consider restorative justice instead of longer sentences. When judges choose "restorative justice," which may include community service, the goal is to repair the harm cause and heal the community.

The West Virginia Legislature has repeatedly rejected adding sexual orientation to the state code.

"I think the fact that his prejudice caused a violent injury should be reflected in his charges," Plymale said Monday. "Hopefully, they'll see this and move forward. It's horrendous. A person should be able to walk down the street and kiss their partner without being physically assaulted."

Reach Lacie Pierson at lacie.pierson@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-1723 or follow @LaciePierson on Twitter.

Reach Erin Beck at erin.beck@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5163, Facebook.com/erinbeckwv, or follow @erinbeckwv on Twitter.

It's unclear if the U.S. Secret Service is investigating a threat allegedly made against potential protesters at President Donald Trump's rally this week in Huntington.

The threat has been circulating on social media since a Facebook account under the name of "Dana Capron" called on armed conservatives to bring weapons to intimidate any activists Thursday at Trump's rally at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.

The post has since been deleted, although numerous accounts have posted screenshots of the alleged threat.

"If we go then we go armed," the post reads. "Not for the rally but for the protesters. Let's give the protesters what they want. Those who ride, then do so and those who can drive do so. Bring everything you have or can bring. We start with anyone blocking the streets then we clear the protesters once and for all, by any means necessary. Let's show them this is not Commieforna [sic] and we deal with protesters faster."

Secret Service Agent Christopher Maier said Monday that he was not aware of any threats made on social media against any demonstrators at the event, although the agency is monitoring for as much.

"We are not investigating anything right now that I'm aware of," he said.

However, in a follow-up call later in the day, he said he could not comment on whether such an investigation is taking place. He also said he could not comment on the accuracy of the statement he made earlier in the day.

Multiple Secret Service agents also declined to comment on whether an investigation into the threats exists, or whether Maier's statement is correct.

Huntington Police Chief Joe Ciccarelli referred inquiries on the situation to the Secret Service.

Cabell County Sheriff Chuck Zerkle referred inquiries to the Huntington Police Department and the Secret Service, although he said the situation has been handled.

"Secret Service is in town already. About the only thing that I can tell you is that it's been addressed and it's been taken care of," he said. "HPD took the lead. The last I heard was it was all taken care of, everything had been neutralized, and it wasn't going to be a problem."

The West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority does not list anyone by the name of Dana Capron as being held.

Reach Jake Zuckerman at jake.zuckerman@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4814 or follow @jake_zuckerman on Twitter.

The city of Hurricane has launched a new police unit, in which four officers will be "laser-focused" on cracking down on drug offenses, according to one city official.

The Hurricane Police Department now has a criminal interdiction unit. Four of the department's 16 officers and one K9 will work extra overtime shifts each week - dedicated solely to making drug-related arrests.

Hurricane Mayor Scott Edwards said the city set aside nearly $50,000 for overtime pay for the officers. It is money he said he is "sad" to see going toward stopping a drug-related problem instead of community resources for children or seniors.

"When they're on duty, they are going to be laser-focused on drugs. We want to arrest drug dealers - we want to arrest drug users," he said. "We want to make it very inconvenient to bring drugs into Hurricane."

The officers of this unit will closely patrol "hot spots" where drug activity is common. Officers also will have more time to arrest those with outstanding drug-related warrants, Edwards said.

Edwards admits that the unit isn't going to solve the regional addiction crisis, but he said he believes it will be effective in stopping drugs and drug-related crimes in Hurricane.

"We want drug dealers to say, 'I don't want to go to Hurricane, because I will get arrested again and again.'

"I know it has to change. We'll arrest them every single day, if we have to. We'll seize their assets, we'll take their cars and their money," Edwards said. "It's similar to President Trump building the wall. We can't eradicate the cartels in Mexico, but we can lessen the number of drugs coming into the country."

Some critics see the unit as an effort to arrest the city's way out of the problem - a method repeatedly criticized as lacking results.

Shelia Martin, who runs The Rock Ministries, a faith-based sober-living facility in Putnam County, said continuously arresting drug offenders is a costly and ineffective cycle.

"I'm not saying we should not arrest that person," she said. "But if we arrest them and arrest them and keep placing fines on them, that's not working either. "

Martin called for the county to "unite," suggesting that officials find a way to get an individual into a 12-month treatment program, once they are released from jail. Martin also said she believes more treatment options in Putnam County and clearer education efforts on addiction and treatment would be more beneficial for the community.

"Drugs have their mind so clouded," she said, "but if they go to jail for a month or so and their mind isn't as clouded, then, at that point, let's get them into at least a 12-month place. It's hard to do. We need to find some way and find some funding. If not, a revolving door keeps happening."

Edwards, who said he has gone on several drug overdose calls with the fire department, said he believes the majority of addicts do not want to seek treatment. Many, he said, sign refusals to be transported to the hospital after an overdose.

"It's their choice; they either need to volunteer to get help or get put in prison for a long, long time - and I mean a long time," he said. "A lot of them are stealing cars. They're thieves, nothing but thieves. I don't care if it's an illness or if it's a choice, that's still not anything for me. It's a little old lady getting her stuff stolen. That's not her fault."

Edwards said that, when an arrest or overdose medical call is made, emergency officials offer the patient or suspect options to seek medical attention. The interdiction unit plans to continue making the same offers, he said.

"I could build a 50-story recovery center in Hurricane; [but] they do not want help," he said. "A lot of people do nothing. Nearly everyone does nothing. I'm going to do something. I can't fix the problem. I can only do what I've been asked to take care of as mayor."

In a Facebook post announcing the new unit, Edwards encouraged those who witness drug-related incidents in the city or have any additional information to call the Hurricane Police Department at 304-562-9911 or email CIU@hurricanewv.com.

Hurricane Police Chief W.M. Mullins did not respond to a request for comment.

Reach Carlee Lammers at Carlee.Lammers@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-1230 or follow @Carleelammers on Twitter.

A circuit court judge filed a temporary injunction against a charter bus company accused of failing to refund more than $22,600 for canceled trips.

Mingo County Circuit Court Judge Miki Thompson ordered Thursday that Christopher Todd Cavender and his companies, Cav's Coach Co. and AllAboard Tours and Charters, may not accept any money in exchange for services related to organizing or conducting bus trips.

The order states Cavender and his companies must pay the $22,682 they owe by Aug. 14 or face being held in contempt for failure to comply.

Cavender and the companies owe $10,382 to Kermit Area School, $7,500 to Crum Middle School, and a total of $4,800 to two private individuals as well for canceled trips or services that were not performed, according to the order.

The totals do not include any civil penalties.

Additionally, the order requires the companies to give the attorney general access to corporate and personal bank records and trip logs dating back to January 2013.

West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said in a statement Monday the order is a testament to his office's work ethic.

"This month's order demonstrates the resolve and vigor of our office," he said. "Within a matter of weeks, our staff initiated an extensive investigation and brought forth a lawsuit yielding more than $22,000 in refunds for those affected. Such swift action should send a message that companies must comply with the law and deliver upon the promises made."

The original lawsuit filing states that during an investigative deposition on May 31, Cavender testified the company has no money in its accounts, that he is unable to account for how the money received from Crum and Kermit was spent, and he could not promise when he would be able to refund the payments.

Reach Jake Zuckerman at jake.zuckerman@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-4814 or follow @jake_zuckerman on Twitter.

A West Virginia college lacrosse player who was never criminally charged in a teammate's death has been found mostly responsible by a jury in a wrongful death civil lawsuit that stemmed from a 2013 street fight.

A federal jury in Wheeling awarded $3 million Monday to the family of 21-year-old Kevin Figaniak of Perkasie, Pennsylvania.

Teammate Tyler Johnson of Columbus, Ohio, was never criminally charged in Figaniak's death. But the jury in the civil case found Johnson 75 percent liable and ordered him to pay $1.25 million in punitive damages.

Figaniak, a student at Wheeling Jesuit University, was knocked unconscious during a fight with two oil and gas pipeline workers after a night out drinking in August 2013. He died the next day at a Pittsburgh hospital.

Johnson refused to seek immediate medical treatment for Figaniak, attorneys said. Instead, they said he tried to drag Figaniak to his apartment but dropped him headfirst to the cement.

"The jury's verdict sent a clear message - 'when your friend needs medical attention, you need to stop thinking about yourself and instead get them help,' " Jeffrey P. Goodman, a Philadelphia attorney representing Figaniak's family, said in a statement Tuesday. "Had Tyler Johnson done that, Kevin would still be alive today."

The jury placed far less blame on the pipeline workers. Craig Peacock of Clewiston, Florida, was found 13 percent at fault and Jarrett Mathis Chandler of Winnfield, Louisiana, was found 6 percent at fault. Figaniak also was found partly to blame.

In 2014, Chandler was sentenced in state court to a year in prison for involuntary manslaughter. Peacock was found not guilty of a murder charge.

A deputy state medical examiner who performed Figaniak's autopsy testified during Peacock's trial that Figaniak died of multiple head injuries, including a skull fracture and brain hemorrhaging.

According to testimony, the fight began after Johnson made a remark about workers in the shale industry.

Figaniak was a senior business major who played on Wheeling Jesuit's varsity lacrosse team. He was also a member of the school's club hockey team.

Charleston Police recently found two abandoned puppies in a storage tote - only one survived.

A tip led Patrolman Jacob Cooper to find both puppies in the West Side of Charleston, the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association said in a Facebook post on Tuesday night.

Cooper named the surviving dog Bluebell.

The post states that a humane officer then arrived to the area, though the specific location is not mentioned.

Bluebell will recover at the humane association after she receives care at an emergency clinic, according to the post.

In the meantime, Cooper will review the video captured by nearby surveillance cameras.

Anyone with a tip for the Charleston Police Department can call 304-348-6460. Anonymous information can be submitted at charlestonwvpolice.org/tip.html.

The humane association is asking for donations to help cover Bluebell's medical expenses.

Contributions can be made at adoptcharleston.com/give, where donors should write "for Bluebell" in the memo line.

"Her care will be costly," the post states. "As always, KCHA is a non-profit, and your donation is tax-deductible."

In the case of a chihuahua-pug mix injured from alleged abuse on July 13, the medical costs are expected to be more than $3,000.

The dog, named Daniel by its rescuers, suffered severe burns after Teddy Estep allegedly set it on fire.

Daniel is expected to recover and go up for adoption. Estep was released on a $22,000 property bond, and a grand jury will decide whether to indict him.

Reach Giuseppe Sabella at giuseppe.sabella@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5189 or follow @Gsabella on Twitter.

A man and a woman allegedly broke into three buildings near Appalachian Power Park on Tuesday night.

Police arrested George Jeffery, 29, on Wednesday for the break-ins at Smith Floor Covering Distributors, No Limit Fitness and an adjacent building, according to a criminal complaint.

Authorities searched into the evening for Elizabeth Sayre, 21, who also has an unrelated warrant for her arrest in Kanawha County, a news release stated.

The pair filled a shopping cart with more than $1,000 in stolen goods, said Lt. Steve Cooper, chief of detectives for the Charleston Police Department, as he addressed reporters.

Jeffery and Sayre abandoned the goods, along with their personal backpacks, at the fitness center, he said.

Cooper said both suspects are homeless, and that both are "well known" to local police.

He went on to emphasize the department's concern with transient people who have "a propensity for crime."

"To just say 'homeless' I wouldn't say is accurate because you may run into someone who is down on their luck, who's trying to keep their family afloat," Cooper said.

Employees at Manna Meal and Covenant House identified the suspects. Cooper said. Investigators also reviewed surveillance videos recorded throughout the businesses.

Some men and women, he said, take advantage of resources meant for "people who are down on their luck."

He said people who struggle with addiction, especially those with an extensive criminal history, often visit Charleston for its abundant supply of heroin.

On Wednesday, police arrested Jeffery on three counts of breaking and entering. He remained at South Central Regional Jail in lieu of a $30,000 bail on Wednesday evening.

Reach Giuseppe Sabella at giuseppe.sabella@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5189 or follow @Gsabella on Twitter.

A CSX train struck a man Wednesday in Charleston, according to a news release from Charleston police.

Authorities arrived just after 2 p.m. at the 2300 block of Chesterfield Avenue and found William Elliott Woody, 65, lying beside the tracks on the gravel.

The train engineer noticed what appeared to be a person lying on the tracks, so he hit the brakes and sounded the horn, the release states. The engineer said Woody tried to move from the tracks, but was unsuccessful.

Authorities took Woody to Charleston Area Medical Center's General Hospital where he was being treated for his injuries late Wednesday.

A man was shot late Wednesday in Institute, dispatchers say.

It happened just after 9:15 p.m. in the 500 block of Carver Street, according to Kanawha Metro 911 dispatchers.

Dispatchers said a man was wounded in the shooting but did not know the extent of his injuries or where he was struck. Kanawha County paramedics were at the scene Wednesday night.

State Police and deputies from the Kanawha Sheriff's Office responded. Dispatchers said officers had one man, believed to be the alleged shooter, in custody. It wasn't immediately clear which agency is investigating.

Little information was available Wednesday night.

One man is dead after he was shot at his girlfriend's home in Institute on Wednesday night.

Another man shot him at about 9:15 p.m. in the 500 block of Carver Street, said Sgt. B.K. Hammontree, of the West Virginia State Police.

Hammontree said no arrests were made as of Thursday morning. An investigation into the domestic incident is ongoing.

He had no further details, but the man's name is expected to be released by Thursday evening.

One day after getting sued by 15 states, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt reversed his earlier decision to delay implementation of Obama-era rules reducing emissions of smog-causing air pollutants.

Pruitt presented the change as his agency being more responsive than past administrations to the needs of state environmental regulators. He made no mention of the legal challenge filed against his prior position in a federal appeals court.

"We believe in dialogue with, and being responsive to, our state partners," Pruitt said in a prepared statement.

At issue is an Oct. 1 deadline for states to begin meeting 2015 standards for ground-level ozone. Pruitt announced in June he would delay compliance by one year to give his agency more time to study the plan and avoid "interfering with local decisions or impeding economic growth."

At the time, West Virginia political leaders praised Pruitt for that effort to delay the compliance, even though the state already meets the new EPA standards.

Wednesday's sudden reversal is the latest legal setback for Pruitt's regulatory rollback agenda. Last month, a federal appeals court in Washington ruled the EPA administrator overstepped his authority in trying to delay implementation of an Obama administration rule requiring oil and gas companies to monitor and reduce methane leaks.

Still, the EPA's statement said Pruitt may at some point once again use his "delay authority and all other authority legally available" to ensure regulations "are founded on sound policy and the best available information."

Republicans in Congress are pushing for a broader rewrite of the ozone rules. A House bill approved last month seeks to delay implementation of the 2015 rules at least eight years. The measure has not yet been brought to a vote in the Senate.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is a sponsor of the Senate version of the bill.

A spokeswoman said Thursday that Capito looks forward to "learning more about [EPA's] decision to withdraw" the compliance extension," but would continue to work for passage of her bill.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who led the coalition of states that sued the EPA this week, said the group intends to keep up the legal pressure.

"The EPA's reversal - following our lawsuits - is an important win for the health and safety of those 6.7 million New Yorkers, and the over 115 million Americans directly impacted by smog pouring into their communities," Schneiderman said.

New York was joined in the case by California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington, and the District of Columbia.

Ground-level ozone is created when common pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, oil refineries, chemical plants and other sources react in the atmosphere to sunlight. The resulting smog can cause serious breathing problems among sensitive groups of people, contributing to thousands of premature deaths each year.