Independence Police Department
On January 22, 2021, the Town of Independence Police received a burglary in progress complaint from a High Street resident, reporting a home break in. Independence Police arrived on scene to find the subject was barricaded inside the residence. Police located and took into custody, Joy L. Layton, age 63 of Whitesville. Layton was charged with Burglary in the 1st Degree (B Felony), Criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd (D Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th Degree (A Misdemeanor), Menacing in the 2nd Degree (A Misdemeanor) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (A Misdemeanor).
During the investigation at the High Street address, it was reported that another residence on Hill Street in Whitesville was burglarized. This resulted with Joy L. Layton being charged with Burglary in the 2nd Degree (C Felony) and Harassment in the 2nd Degree (Violation). It is alleged that Layton forced entry into a second residence and struck the resident with her hands.
Layton was arraigned by Allegany County VAP in front of the Honorable Terrance M. Parker. Layton was committed to the Allegany County Jail on $10,000 cash / $20,000 insurance /$100,000 bond. Layton is due to appear Tuesday, January 26, 2021 by County VAP.