Jury Conviction in Garrett County Felony Theft Case
The Garrett County State’s Attorney’s Office issued a press release dated March 13, 2026, announcing that a jury has convicted Tara Ashley Kearsley (38), of Terra Alta, WV following a jury trial held March 12 in Garrett County Circuit Court.
According to the release, Kearsley was convicted of:
- Theft: $1,500 to under $25,000, and
- Theft Scheme: $1,500 to under $25,000
The State’s Attorney’s Office states the case stems from a report made in April 2025 by a retail business in Oakland, alleging that the defendant—then an assistant manager—stole over $5,000 through an ongoing theft scheme involving false return transactions. The release says surveillance footage did not show the returns actually occurring, and it also alleges bank deposits were short in amounts corresponding to the false returns, totaling more than $5,000.
The trial was presided over by Judge Justin Gregory, who ordered that sentencing be continued.
The matter was investigated by Captain Robbie Zimmerman of the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew George. The release also notes the jury deliberated for approximately two hours before reaching a verdict.
This information is from an official press release by the Garrett County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Charges are allegations. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
