Ashe Mountain Times

Accused conspirator John Howell of Warrensville pled not guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence in connection to his cousin's 2008 domestic violence case during a pretrial hearing last week in Charlotte.

Howell's charges follow a 2010 conviction of his cousin, Robbie Howell, who was convicted of assaulting a woman on multiple occasions during a long distance truck driving trip.

Federal documents from that case indicate John Howell was the co-driver on the trip and he his now facing kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a crime of violence by aggravated assault.

Robbie Howell was later convicted in U.S. District Court. He was sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.

During his arraignment hearing last Thursday, magistrate Judge David Cayer moved for John Howell's detention and attorney Jacob Sussman was assigned to his case. Kelli Ferry will be the prosecuting attorney.

A standard discovery order was also entered into his case.

A docket call of 10 a.m. on Monday, March 5, in Statesville has been set for Howell's case. District Judge Richard Voorhees will preside over the trial.