OAKLAND, Md. — A man from West Virginia has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his involvement in the kidnapping of a man from Garrett County who was later found dead. Andrew William Wassick, from Morgantown, was one of three individuals responsible for the abduction of Jimmy Lee Barkley from his home in Oakland in October 2021. Barkley’s body was discovered on October 16 in Preston County, West Virginia, and authorities believe he was a victim of a revenge killing.

During the sentencing, Garrett County State’s Attorney Christian Mash stated that Wassick received the maximum sentence permitted by Maryland law. Mash commended the law enforcement agencies in Garrett and Preston counties for their dedicated work, which led to Wassick’s successful prosecution and the imposition of the maximum sentence.

The court learned that Wassick, along with two accomplices, Roy Tyson Cheshire and Dashawn Nichelle Scott, forcibly took Barkley from his home, stripped him of his clothing, tied him up, and transported him to a remote cabin in Preston County. Damon Lamont Hudgens, currently in custody in Preston County, is accused of killing Barkley. Cheshire and Scott were sentenced the previous year for their involvement in the kidnapping.

The heinous nature of the crime and the subsequent sentencing demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to upholding justice in the community. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies in different jurisdictions to bring perpetrators to justice and provide closure to the victims’ families.

In summary, Andrew William Wassick from West Virginia has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the kidnapping of Jimmy Lee Barkley, who was found dead in Preston County. The sentencing was the maximum allowed by Maryland law. Co-conspirators Roy Tyson Cheshire and Dashawn Nichelle Scott were also involved in the kidnapping, and Damon Lamont Hudgens, currently in custody, is accused of Barkley’s murder.