Student Drug Case Hearings Continue

Trials for some of the recent UMW drug arrests have begun, with five of the accused standing trial over the last week.

John Collins, 19, accused of sale and distribution of marijuana, went to trial in Fredericksburg General District Court for a hearing last Thursday. His charge was amended to possession of marijuana, a Class 1 misdemeanor. He was charged court costs of $279, and his final disposition is set for March 31, according to court records.

Sarah Treacy, 19, went to trial for her hearing the same day in Fredericksburg General District Court. Her charge of possession of marijuana was amended to possession of paraphernalia. She was charged court costs of $84, and her final disposition is set for March 31 as well, court records said.

On Monday, two current UMW students and one former student went before the grand jury in Fredericksburg Circuit Court on drug charges according to the court’s records.

The former student, Sebastian Ensign, 20, received a true bill for his charge of possession of a controlled substance.

A true bill is a grand jury’s signed decision that there is sufficient evidence for the defendant to stand trial.

Ensign’s next arraignment is on Nov. 4.

William Bleimeister, 19, received a true bill for sale, distribution and conspiracy to distribute marijuana. His next arraignment will take place on Nov. 10.

Derek Rhule, 19, received a true bill for sale, distribution and conspiracy to distribute marijuana. He will appear in court again on Nov. 17 for arraignment.

Tyler Troutman, 20, was the first of the accused students to stand trial in August. On Aug. 31, he lost his driver’s license for six months and paid $159 in court costs. His final disposition is set for Feb. 24.

Abraham Dayton, 19, and Charles Cowan, 20, are due in court today, Oct. 28, for arraignment.