Lawrence Smith News
Starcher has had other possible conflicts
Starcher CHARLESTON – The phrase "conflict of interest" seems to be haunting state Supreme Court Justice Larry V. Starcher.
New owners invest big in Mason County alloy plant
NEW HAVEN – Though one chapter in the saga of a Mason County alloy plant may be closed, the legal legacy involving its previous owner, in many instances, remains literally an open book.
None indicted in Mason County forgery case
POINT PLEASANT – At least for now, no charges will be brought against anyone suspected in the forgery of a settlement check owed to a Mason County physician.
Case against Mason attorney may see action soon
Westmoreland POINT PLEASANT – The beginning of the end may be in sight for a civil suit and criminal charges a Mason County doctor has against a Point Pleasant attorney with the doctor considering a new tactic to get the civil case moving, and investigators shifting their focus on who forged a disputed settlement check.
Tinder: Court would have to give nod to attorney conduct, court proceeding changes
Jeannettia D. Spencer poses with her son James. CHARLESTON – Recourse already exists for a party to have a case that was dismissed to later be reopened, and requirements that attorneys to carry malpractice insurance would have to come from the state Supreme Court, and not the state Legislature, says the head of the state Bar association.
Woman believes Dues deceived her in settling lawsuit
Jeannettia D. Spencer poses with her son James. DUNBAR – Had she known Ted Dues was on track to becoming the highest paid mental hygiene commissioner in West Virginia, a Dunbar woman says she would not have settled a malpractice suit against him earlier this year.
Colleagues OK with Dues' $100K salary
CHARLESTON – The fact that a colleague made more than $100,000 last fiscal year doesn't seem to bother some of the other Kanawha County mental hygiene commissioners.
Prior health woes saved Dues from previous suspension
CHARLESTON – A conditional suspension given to a Kanawha County attorney last year was not the first time he faced a reprimand or cited health reasons for his misconduct.
Doctor's suit against attorney might stall, but Bar investigation proceeding
POINT PLEASANT – Despite confusion on the status of the lawsuit he filed, a Mason County physician says he's excited to know that at least one aspect of his quest for justice against a Point Pleasant attorney is going forward.
Six-figure income may not be enough for Dues
CHARLESTON – All three levels of government, two individuals and a debt-consolidation firm are staking their claim on a six-figure income earned by a Kanawha County attorney serving as a mental hygiene commissioner.
Issues don't keep Dues from being highest paid state mental hygiene commissioner
CHARLESTON – Despite restrictions on his ability to practice law, and having personal mental health issues, a Kanawha County attorney made over $100,000 in fiscal year 2005-06 as mental hygiene commissioner, court records show.
Sister, Brother settle 50-year old rape accusation
SPENCER – A Roane County woman and her estranged brother have agreed to settle legal disputes the two have against each other stemming from an alleged rape that occurred over 50 years ago.
Bondsman says Conley only concerned about justice when it suits her
PARKERSBURG – Despite claiming she is serving justice by being cautious to bring an indictment in a Mason County forgery case, a Parkersburg bondsman says Wood County prosecutor Ginny Conley created an injustice in her haste to have him convicted on bogus charges.
Conley concluded other cases quickly
PARKERSBURG – In two other cases in the last three years where she has served as special prosecutor, Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Ginny Conley closed one without seeking an indictment, but sought an indictment in another after she was presented with new evidence.
Musgrave bankruptcy of little concern to special prosecutor
POINT PLEASANT – The special prosecutor appointed to investigate allegations of forgery committed by a Point Pleasant attorney says neither his bankruptcy filing nor his brother's position in state government has any bearing on her investigation.
Judge: Title IX not all about women, athletics
Phyllis H. Carter CHARLESTON – Despite popular perceptions, a significant piece of federal civil rights legislation is not just about women or women athletes, says West Virginia's chief civil rights enforcer.
Dismissal of attorney bankruptcy could give green light to suit filed by doctor
Danny Westmoreland POINT PLEASANT – A Mason County doctor who alleges his attorney forged his signature on a 2004 settlement check, may receive his day in court if the attorney's current bankruptcy case is dismissed.
Musgrave also filed for bankruptcy in 1987
POINT PLEASANT – A Point Pleasant attorney's bankruptcy filing is not the first time he's been in financial trouble.
Mason doctor rebuffed in presenting case before grand jury
Dr. Danny Westmoreland POINT PLEASANT - For a Mason County physician, the first day of May was more reminiscent of officials from the former Soviet Union touting their military supremacy than a celebration of American justice.