Man facing charges in motel drug ring assigned new lawyer

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By M.K. Luther -- mkluther@nvdaily.com

FRONT ROYAL -- A man charged with multiple felonies in connection with a drug and weapons ring at Skyline Motel in Front Royal has been appointed a new attorney.

Christopher Nelson Munday, 26, of Front Royal, appeared before Judge W. Dale Houff in Warren County General District Court on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing.

Munday is charged with two counts of selling a firearm to a convicted felon and two counts of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Munday also faces felony charges of manufacturing a controlled substance with the intent to possess or distribute.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Nicholas L. Manthos said in court that Munday would require a new court-appointed attorney because the previously appointed defense counsel, Ilona Beatty, had a conflict of interest.

Beatty, who was unable to attend Tuesday's proceedings, agreed that Munday needed new representation during a telephone conversation, Manthos said.

Houff appointed attorney Daryl Funk to serve as Munday's counsel. Munday's preliminary hearing was set for 1 p.m. on Dec. 1 in Warren County General District Court.

Munday remains at the Warren County Jail, according to online court records.

His father, Samuel Edgar Munday, 63, of 622 S. Royal Ave., and Stephen Christopher Oakes, 23, of 4007 Eighth St., Baltimore, also face charges stemming from the Skyline Motel drug ring arrests.

Samuel Munday is charged with one count of the sale of a firearm to a convicted felon. He is free on bond and is scheduled to appear in Warren County General District Court for a preliminary hearing Nov. 17 at 2 p.m.

Oakes is charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
Oakes remains in custody and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Nov. 4 in Warren County General District Court at 2:45 p.m.