Stamper v. Commonwealth

In a bench trial, Walter R.C. Stamper was convicted of possession of 3.88 pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute, and was sentenced to six years’ confinement. His appeal raises questions concerning a variance between the indictment and the proof, the refusal of the trial judge to recuse himself, entrapment, the admissibility of evidence to prove the defendant’s mental state, the sufficiency of the evidence to prove intent to distribute, and alleged errors in sentencing.

The facts are undisputed. At the time in question, the defendant was an attorney practicing law in Southwest Virginia.…