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Bridgeport woman arrested after domestic violence investigation
Wheeling Police have arrested one person on multiple felony charges stemming from a domestic violence and malicious assault investigation, according to a department release.
Just after midnight on Sunday, July 26, officers responded to the intersection of Virginia and South Huron streets on Wheeling Island after receiving a report that a man riding a bicycle had been struck by a vehicle. The victim was transported to Wheeling Hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver, identified as 22-year-old Tionna Alexander of Bridgeport, Ohio, was located shortly after at the Bridgeport Police Department. Investigators believe Alexander and the victim were involved in a domestic disturbance in Bridgeport earlier in the evening that allegedly led to Alexander intentionally striking the victim with her vehicle twice on Wheeling Island.
Alexander was arrested and charged with one count of malicious assault and two counts of child neglect. She was arraigned before an Ohio County magistrate, who set bond at $30,000. She is currently being held at the Northern Regional Jail.
Sentencing scheduled for W.Va. cemetery owner
A sentencing hearing has been set for the North Central West Virginia cemetery owner who defrauded hundreds of customers, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced.
Jeffrey Phares, 65, of Fayetteville, West Virginia, will be sentenced November 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in federal court in Wheeling before U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey. Phares pleaded guilty to wire fraud in March, admitting to misleading victims who placed orders for grave markers, accepting their money, sending design approvals, and then using the funds for his personal use. Phares owned and operated four cemeteries including: Greenlawn Memorial Park in New Martinsville, Elkins Memorial Gardens in Elkins, Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Clarksburg, and Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Jane Lew.
According to court documents, there are approximately 225 victims with more than $600,000 in unfulfilled grave marker orders. As part of the plea agreement, Phares has agreed to pay restitution to the victims of his offense conduct, and to provide the government with all necessary documentation to determine the amount of restitution, which will be determined prior to sentencing.
If you are a victim and have submitted your contract with Phares to the U.S. Attorney's office, the FBI, U.S. Probation, and/or the West Virginia Attorney General's Office, your information has been received and is being reviewed as a part of the restitution process.
Phares faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Part of Mt. de Chantal Road to be closed Tuesday
Mt. de Chantal Road will be closed between Hunter Avenue and Pallister Road for a new service installation Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists are asked to use an alternate route during the closure. Detour signs will be posted, and emergency vehicles will have access through the work zone. Please note that the schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.