News from February 2018
Former secretary of state investigator alleges political affiliation was factor in his termination
CHARLESTON – A former investigator for the secretary of state alleges his age and political affiliation were factors in his unlawful termination.
Home contructed by Coiner Builders alleged to have multiple problems
CHARLESTON – A Kanawha County couple allege a Cross Lanes contractor poorly constructed their home.
Consumer files suit over Roundpoint Mortgage Servicing's alleged handling of his loan modification application
BECKLEY – A Beckley man alleges his loan servicer denied his payments and attempted to foreclose on his home.
Federal lawsuit filed in New York against Abruzzino for defaulting hotel
FOLEY SQUARE, N.Y. – A federal lawsuit has been filed in New York alleging Developer William Abruzzino is personally responsible for nearly $19 million in a defaulting hotel in Morgantown.
Supreme Court says ex-judge ineligible for retirement benefits
CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has ruled that Michael Thornsbury, the former Mingo County judge who was convicted of felony offense of conspiracy against civil rights is ineligible for retirement benefits.
State small business statistics reveal continued job creation, economic growth
CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Small Business Development Center’s most-recent data revealed “continued job creation and economic growth in the Mountain State."
West Virginia One Stop Business Center geared toward convenience
CHARLESTON – Steven Allen Adams, assistant communications director for West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner, said the One Stop Business Center, which opened on Jan. 30 in Charleston, “combines the resources of four state agencies to better help business with registrations, licensing, labor and taxation issues.”
WVU tax law professor says new tax law will offer 'some benefits' to citizens, but on 'scattershot' basis
MORGANTOWN – West Virginia University tax law professor Elaine Wilson says she believes “individual income tax changes, standing alone, will generally help most individuals in West Virginia,” but said she does not believe new business tax changes “will make much of a direct difference to low-income individuals in West Virginia.”
State Supreme Court to hear cases at WVU law school
MORGANTOWN – The West Virginia Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments in two cases later this month at the West Virginia University College of Law in Morgantown. The justices will hear arguments beginning at 10 a.m. Feb. 27 in the Marlyn E. Lugar Courtroom. The doors will open at 9 a.m. The event is free and open to the public, and it also will be webcast on the West Virginia Judiciary website.
Former Weirton police officer settles wrongful termination case
WHEELING – A former Weirton police officer has reached a settlement with the city in his wrongful termination lawsuit.
Jenkins ahead of Morrisey in Senate race, according to new poll
CHARLESTON – A new poll shows U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins leading the Republican field in the race for Joe Manchin's U.S. Senate seat.
Charleston attorney continues free Valentine’s Day divorce for 11th year
CHARLESTON – Charleston Attorney Charles R. “Rusty” Webb of The Webb Law Centre is continuing his tradition of offering a free divorce on Valentine’s Day to the person with the most compelling story.
Senate Finance Committee votes on judicial oversight
CHARLESTON – The Senate Finance Committee voted to approve a resolution that would give the Legislature greater oversight over the judicial system’s budget.
Ohio Attorney General sues DuPont for alleged Ohio River contamination
MARIETTA, Ohio – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine filed a lawsuit against DuPont for allegedly releasing toxic chemicals into the Ohio River for many years.
Opioid judge doesn't want media to know details of settlement talks
CLEVELAND (Legal Newsline) - The judge overseeing multidistrict litigation against opioid manufacturers and distributors has named the teams of lawyers who will try to negotiate a settlement of hundreds of federal lawsuits - a complex task given parallel investigations and litigation by state attorneys general and potentially conflicting goals of private attorneys and their government counterparts.
Morrisey campaign says Jenkins 'pretending' to support Trump
CHARLESTON – Patrick Morrisey's U.S. Senate campaign is criticizing Republican primary opponent Evan Jenkins for comments he made about potentially supporting a third-party presidential candidate in the 2016 election.
Federal judge grants motion to compel arbitration in Verizon Wireless lawsuit
BLUEFIELD – A federal judge granted Verizon’s motion to compel arbitration in a lawsuit alleging it violated the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act.
Huntington attorney helps students fund college education through Marshall scholarship
HUNTINGTON – Huntington attorney Marc Williams says funding a renewable scholarship for students at Marshall University is his way of giving back to a school that gave him such a great start.
Jury awards $4.3 million in lawsuit against Charleston Sanitary Board
CHARLESTON – A jury awarded $4.3 million to the plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Sanitary Board of the City of Charleston.
Judge denies motion for partial summary judgment in lawsuit against Ritchie Co. Commission
CLARKSBURG – A federal judge denied a former employee’s motion for partial summary judgment against Ritchie County Commission and also granted the commission’s motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit alleging the plaintiff was wrongfully terminated.