A West Virginia inmate known locally as “Opie” has accepted a plea deal that adds to his jail time. Richard Allan Manuel, 52, pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges for making threats against law enforcement and jail staff.
What Led to the Charges?
The case began with a disturbing incident on February 21, 2024, at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail, where Manuel is currently imprisoned. During a conversation with a jail employee, he allegedly made threats involving the Elkins Police Chief, the town’s mayor, and the jail itself.
According to a criminal complaint, Manuel said that once he left jail, he planned to buy a gun and had a list of people he wanted to “take care of.”
He claimed the Police Chief had once beaten him up on railroad tracks and blamed the Mayor and another man for his arrest. He reportedly mimed a gun with his hand and said, “That’s the smell of death.”
Manuel also added a chilling warning: “If you think I busted up the jail before, just wait until I shoot it up.”
A History of Threatening Behavior
This wasn’t the first time Manuel had caused trouble at the jail. Back in April 2023, he was arrested after throwing a rock through the front glass doors of the same jail during the daytime.
He fled the scene on a white bicycle, wearing a bright orange camouflage jacket. Two jail workers later identified him as the person responsible, calling him by his street nickname, “Opie.”
The Plea Deal
Originally, Manuel faced a felony charge for making terrorist threats, which is a serious offense. However, by accepting a plea deal, he avoided the harsher felony and instead pleaded no contest to two misdemeanors for obstructing law enforcement.
These charges were specifically tied to threats against probation, parole, corrections officers, and court security.
Authorities Respond to Threats
The case was taken seriously by law enforcement, especially after Elkins Police Chief Travis Bennett reported the threats. The jail employee who heard Manuel’s comments contacted the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
Officials said these types of threats, even if not acted on, are dangerous and can create fear among officers and the community. As a result, Manuel will be staying in jail longer, adding more time to his existing sentence.
Richard Allan Manuel, also known as “Opie,” has a long history of making threats and causing disturbances while in custody. Though his felony charge was reduced through a plea deal, the added jail time shows that authorities are not taking any risks when it comes to threats against public officials and jail safety.
His behavior continues to be closely monitored as he remains behind bars.
