Bench warrant issued for homicide suspect
A Fayette County judge issued a bench warrant for a Point Marion man who is free on bond in the death of his daughter.
Judge Steve P. Leskinen’s warrant, issued Tuesday, indicated that Robert Dodson, 56, failed to comply with pretrial services. Authorities said Dodson was arrested in West Virginia, which is a violation of his bond conditions.
He has been free on $25,000 percentage bond since June 17.
Dodson and Tammy Jo Bohon, 35, each face charges of criminal homicide and endangering the welfare of children in the Jan. 6 death of Madison Violet Dodson, their 15-month-old daughter.
The toddler, dependent upon a feeding tube, died in their home of malnutrition and dehydration. State police Trooper Timothy Kirsch alleged the toddler’s body was found by her father on a mattress on the floor, amongst animal feces and garbage. Bohon, police said, was smoking crack cocaine in Masontown and was not home when her daughter died.
During a bond hearing in June, Dodson acknowledged that he had prior arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. He also told the judge he has a drinking problem.
Morgantown Police Chief Ed Preston said Dodson was arrested on Friday and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, possession of a controlled substance and driving with a suspended license.
As a condition of bond, both were ordered to remain drug-free, appear for all court dates and commit no further criminal acts.
Raemanda Dodson posted bond for both.
Because it was a percentage bond, she was required to post $2,500 for each to secure their release.
A preliminary hearing in the case has been delayed seven times, several of those necessary because of the voluminous medical records in the case. It has been scheduled for Nov. 18 before Magisterial District Judge Jesse J. Cramer.