Lawrence Smith News
Complaint lodged against family law judge who testified to not following child custody law
CHARLESTON –- A Wood County children's advocacy group is wondering if a family law judge isn't following the law, why is he even in office?
Former Mason doc faces disciplinary action for sexual misconduct
Levine CHARLESTON – A former Mason County physician faces not only criminal charges for drug-related offenses, but also disciplinary action for alleged "sexual misconduct" with three female patients who were part of a drug treatment program.
Trial date set in suit against W.Va. State research corp.
Kusimo CHARLESTON – After being bounced between state and federal courts, a lawsuit filed by a former employee of the research division of West Virginia State University is slated for trial in the spring.
Before indictment on meth charges, Pocahontas man charged in '98 Kanawha DUI fatality
Buzzard ST. ALBANS – Prior to his indictment for operating a meth lab, a Pocahontas County man faced related criminal and civil charges for a fatality he caused nearly a decade ago in Kanawha County.
Wreck leaves Buzzard with $25K hospital bill, and another lawsuit
CHARLESTON – In addition to police, bill collectors from the state's largest hospital are looking for a Pocahontas County man.
Mother maintains innocence of Pocahontas meth fugitive
CHARLESTON – A man wanted by authorities in Pocahontas County for his alleged role in the manufacture of methamphetamines there was arrested by police in South Charleston earlier this month during a routine traffic stop in which they found meth in his possession.
Court to hear contested Hurricane election
Peyton CHARLESTON – In the midst of an already dramatic election year, the state Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal of a disputed election from one Putnam County municipality held last year.
Reply filed in Putnam sexual abuse civil case
Casto WINFIELD – After nearly a six-month delay, the defendant in a Putnam County sexual abuse civil case has responded to the allegations leveled against him by his alleged victim.
Two attorneys disbarred following criminal convictions
CHARLESTON – The state Supreme Court has yanked the licenses of two attorneys after their conviction on criminal charges.
Supreme Court to consider appeal of disputed Hurricane mayoral election
CHARLESTON – As voters in over a dozen municipalities go to the polls Tuesday to cast a ballot for their respective mayors and council, the state Supreme Court will vote whether to accept or reject a petition challenging the results of one Putnam County municipal election held last year.
Suit alleges discriminatory treatment in domestic violence shelter, program licensure
CHARLESTON – A children's advocacy group alleges that the state of West Virginia has engaged in unconstitutional and discriminatory funding of domestic violence programs and shelters, and has filed a lawsuit to stop it.
One suit settled, another dismissed against former Mason doctor
CHARLESTON – Two civil suits involving a former Mason County physician have come to some sort of conclusion.
Additional discrepancies found in Mason attorney's bankruptcy
Musgrave CHARLESTON – A closer examination of a Mason County attorney's bankruptcy petition reveals he may have not only falsified information about lawsuits involving former clients, but also his safekeeping of a settlement awarded to a Mason physician.
Family Court: A shocker in Wood, and nail-biter and blowout in Kanawha
CHARLESTON – In the race for family law judge, Tuesday's election saw one incumbent judge with family clout defeated in Wood County while another incumbent judge in Kanawha County beat two opponents to barely win a second term on the bench.
Musgrave failed to list judgments in civil suits on bankruptcy petition
Musgrave CHARLESTON – Records show a Mason County attorney has failed to list on his bankruptcy petition judgments in two civil suits against former clients for non-payment of legal services.
Legal hurdles still ahead for Edmonds including $14,000 in unpaid child support
CHARLESTON – Despite the settlement of a civil suit against him, Tim Edmonds still faces some legal challenges. Along with a possible indictment for sexual abuse, a bench warrant is active against him for unpaid child support in Wisconsin.
Settlement apparently reached in Chesapeake sexual abuse civil case
CHARLESTON – An apparent settlement has been reached in the sexual abuse civil case brought by a Hernshaw couple against a Chesapeake Pentecostal church, and one of its alleged youth pastors.
Mason attorney sues former clients in spite of Bar's prior warning
Musgrave POINT PLEASANT – Despite a warning by the State Bar not to do so, a Mason County attorney has sued at least one former client for non-payment of legal fees without communicating fee arrangements, and payment expectations.
Musgrave unsuccessful in three other suits
Musgrave POINT PLEASANT – Court records show that Raymond Musgrave not only sued two other clients for non-payment of legal fees, but also another attorney for luring one of his clients away from him. However, all suits were to no avail.
Bar makes note of Musgrave's inaction in two other complaints
Musgrave CHARLESTON – Along with disciplining him in Eshenaur case, the state Bar Association ordered Raymond G. Musgrave to pay one client $5, and warned him about his lack of communication with another.