Lawrence Smith News
Former Berkeley attorney surrenders license following arson conviction
Shreve CHARLESTON – Five months following her conviction for attempting to torch her former place of employment, an eastern panhandle attorney has surrendered her law license.
CIVIL FILINGS: Jackson County
Aug. 28
Feds substituted as defendant in Upshur man's lawsuit
ELKINS – Because his alleged attackers are federal government employees, a popular West Virginia resort soon may be dismissed from an Upshur County man's lawsuit.
Judge denies challenger's appeal of Upshur sheriff election
Taylor BUCKHANNON – A judge has affirmed the Upshur County Commission's decision to certify the county's former chief deputy sheriff the winner of May's primary election despite later withdrawing following a determination his candidacy violated federal law.
Court denies former Randolph teacher's writ to dismiss sexual abuse indictment
Faulkner CHARLESTON – The state Supreme Court has rejected a last-minute attempt by a former Randolph County school teacher to have charges she sexually abused one of her students dismissed.
Personal injury suit between Glenville resident, College settled
This motel in downtown Glenville is where Dale Norman alleges he suffered third degree burns when taking a bath during an overnight stay in October 2008. (Photo by Lawrence Smith)
CHARLESTON – A tentative settlement has been reached in a Gilmer County man's lawsuit against Glenville State College for injuries he sustained four years ago at a motel the College owns.
Court keeps Watkins on bench pending outcome of ethics probes
Watkins CHARLESTON – A Putnam family law judge will remain on the bench while he contests two sets of ethics charges.
Charles Town attorney accused of malpractice
Cassell CHARLES TOWN – A Jefferson County attorney is accused of negligence in pursing a New York City man's lawsuit against Shepherdstown officials, including bailing out on him while it was still pending.
Kanawha family judge wrong to consider paternity for Ga. child, writ says
CHARLESTON – A Georgia woman is challenging a Kanawha Family Law judge's order compelling her child to take a DNA test to prove a Tornado man is the biological father.
Wood Co. man files writ to halt indecent exposure charge
RIPLEY – A Wood County man is asking a judge in Jackson County to put a stop to criminal charges against him.
Jefferson Co. clerk accused of not following state law
Maghan CHARLES TOWN – The Jefferson County Clerk is accused of failing to adequately bond the administrator of a late Washington, D.C., businessman's estate which allowed him to squander nearly half the estate's value.
Second set of ethics charges filed against Watkins
Watkins CHARLESTON – A Putnam family law judge's unruly behavior -- which has been uploaded multiple times to the Internet, and, in one instance, made international headlines -- again will have to account for his actions before an ethics panel.
Suit accuses Marion family law judge, DHHR, jail administrator of civil rights violations
MORGANTOWN – A Monongalia County man is accusing various officials, including a Marion County family law judge, of violating his civil rights.
Nepotism, cronyism at heart of two Berkeley termination suits
MARTINSBURG – Separate lawsuits filed in Berkeley Circuit Court by two former county employees allege they were fired for exposing either nepotism or cronyism.
Watkins accused of overreach into child custody dispute
Watkins WINFIELD – A Putnam County family law judge accused in multiple cases of lacking a sense of urgency in making rulings is now accused of acting hastily in child custody dispute.
Huntington police accused of falsely arresting freelance journalist
Pniewski HUNTINGTON – A Cabell County man, a self-proclaimed investigative journalist, alleges police trumped up charges against him in an effort to squelch his reporting on their activities.
Grant Co. woman alleges Mineral deputy used excessive force in arrest
MARTINSBURG – A Grant County woman is alleging a Mineral County deputy sheriff used excessive force when arresting her for driving under the influence.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
July 25
CIVIL FILINGS: Jackson County
Aug. 23
Former Fairmont student accuses Marion police of racial profiling
Byrd CLARKSBURG – A former Fairmont State University student is alleging police turned what should've been a routine report of a fender-bender in a full-fledged search of his vehicle, all because he is black.