Man involved in ATV theft ring sentenced

KINGWOOD — A Bretz man accused of being part of a multi-state ATV theft ring was sentenced to four to 40 years in prison Wednesday.

Under a plea agreement, Steven Keith Waybright pleaded guilty to four felony charges of receiving and transferring stolen goods. Eight other charges were dropped.

The penalty for receiving and transferring stolen goods is one to
10 years in prison and/or a $2,500 fine.

Waybright’s attorney, Justin Gregory, asked the judge to consider parole.

“Obviously a string of thefts occurred to support his drug addiction,” Gregory said. “He has been in Recovery Point. He’s in the second phase and can stay there as a sponsor or phase out and get employment.”

Preston Circuit Judge Steve Shaffer said Waybright had an incentive to “straighten up.” He reminded the defendant he could have been facing life in prison if the state had filed for him to be punished under recidivism.

“This ring of co-defendants wreaked havoc on people during June of 2018,” he said. “There are 12 felonies and victims in this case. I’ll grant you credit for time served.”

Gregory asked the court to allow Waybright to finish the program at Recovery Point.

“I’ll let him finish the program but I won’t let him mentor there,” Shaffer said. “The victims are people who had items stolen from them. This wasn’t just one offense.”

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Megan Allender requested the court be contacted when Waybright was released.

Waybright was ordered to pay restitution and court costs. He was instructed to report to the court when he completes the Recovery Point program.

TWEET@DominionPostWV