3 arrested in Robinson incident
Three men were arrested by McDonald police on charges ranging from kidnapping to assault after three other men claimed they were brought to Robinson Township against their will from West Virginia. One of them allegedly was assaulted before he was taken to the Smith Township police station for the purpose of confessing to a home invasion.
Facing charges are Ernest Lee Mozingo, 32, of Follansbee, W.Va.; William P. Harris, 55, of 20 Harris St., Joffre; and Daniel Lee Greene, 27, of 101 Greene Road, Bulger.
Smith police were at their station just before 10 p.m. Wednesday when Mozingo and Harris brought Douglas Madison, 22, of Weirton, W.Va., to the station claiming he had information about a July 9 home invasion at Harris’ home. Three intruders reportedly armed with crowbars forced their way into the home and allegedly attacked Harris and another man living at the home. A large amount of cash and two guns were stolen. The three reportedly restrained Harris and the other man before fleeing. One of the alleged victims was able to free himself and call 911 about 2:30 a.m.
Officer George Galish noticed Madison had a large cut above his eye and was told by Harris that the 22-year-old fell on the ground. Madison was told to take a seat and wait for the ambulance to respond. Harris and Mozingo were starting to leave the station when Madison and Harry Lee Dennis, 26, of Steubenville, Ohio, told police those two were Madison’s assailants and there was a gun in their truck. Harris and Mozingo were ordered to the ground and placed in handcuffs.
Madison told Galish he called Harris to tell him that he heard three men bragging about the home invasion. Madison said Mozingo came to his home and kidnapped him at gunpoint. Madison, his 20-year-old brother, Tyson Madison, also of Weirton, and Dennis were then driven to a home in Robinson where the older Madison allegedly was assaulted. McDonald police, who handle calls in Robinson, where notified.
Douglas Madison also reportedly told McDonald police Officer Michael Dhanse he contacted Harris to tell him he knew who burglarized his home. He also told Dhanse Mozingo was interested in obtaining the information. Mozingo was with the two brothers and Dennis in a vehicle when Mozingo allegedly brandished a handgun and forced Douglas Madison to drive, giving him Greene’s address. Mozingo allegedly told them if they attempted to pull over, he would shoot them.
When they arrived at Greene’s home, Greene and Harris allegedly came out of the residence, removed Douglas Madison from the vehicle and assaulted him. Douglas Madison told Dhanse that he was punched and beaten by Harris and Greene. Dennis got out to try and help his friend, but Mozingo allegedly brandished the gun at him.
Douglas Madison reportedly was picked up off the ground and forced into Harris’ truck. Police said Mozingo had the gun in his waistband when he went into Greene’s home but did not have it when he returned and got in the truck. Harris reportedly showed a handgun, and he and Mozingo told Douglas Madison that they were taking him to the Smith police station. The three left in Harris’ truck with Tyson Madison and Dennis following in the other vehicle. Douglas Madison told police that Harris told him he was to confess to the home-invasion burglary to Smith police.
Douglas Madison was taken to Weirton Medical Center for treatment of his injuries.
Mozingo, Harris and Greene were arraigned before District Judge Ethan Ward. Mozingo is charged with three counts of kidnapping, unlawful restraint, reckless endangerment and simple assault and one count each of conspiracy, person not to possess a firearm and firearms not to be carried without a license. Harris is charged with one count each of kidnapping, simple assault, reckless endangerment, disorderly conduct and aggravated assault. Greene is charged with one count each of aggravated assault, simple assault and disorderly conduct.
Mozingo and Harris are lodged in Washington County jail on $250,000 bonds. Greene is in jail on $50,000 bond. All three face an Aug. 18 preliminary hearing at the office of Senior District Judge Jay Dutton.