Violent crimes indicted by Accomack Grand Jury

By Linda Cicoira

Violent crimes were among the indictments handed down by an Accomack Grand Jury this week.

Sixty-year-old Michael Richard Oplinger, of Mears Circle in Harborton, was indicted on a count of maliciously wounding his wife. The incident occurred April 20. Oplinger was arrested May 13. The woman complained the defendant broke and dislocated her shoulder after beating her with a pipe.

Forty-three-year-old Jeffery Joseph Alther, a construction worker, who lives on Shields Bridge Road in Belle Haven, was indicted on March 19 counts of malicious maiming and strangulation.

Thirty-three-year-old Basil Johnson Jr., of Chrestwood Circle in Hampton, was indicted on May 14 counts of possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm while a protective order was in effect. A 9mm luger pistol and eight cartridges were confiscated, according to court records. Johnson claimed he was unaware he had been convicted of a felony and unaware that he couldn’t have a firearm.

Thirty-two-year-old Wayne Orville Norton Jr., of Hill Street in Onancock, was indicted on the charge in connection with a May 17 incident. Thirty-four-year Dorothy May Payton, who was homeless, was indicted in connection with a May 23 incident. And 60-year-old Ceylon Glen Byrd, who was homeless, was indicted in connection with a June 22 incident.

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