Former judge alleges libel, malicious prosecution

PINEVILLE — A former judge is suing a municipal corporation, alleging libel and slander.

Adam S. Bradford of Beckley filed a lawsuit May 27 in Wyoming Circuit Court against the Town of Oceana.

According to the filing, on Aug. 14, 2012, Bradford began working as a municipal judge even though he received no formal training until October 2012. The suit states Oceana town officials met July 10, 2014, to discuss and vote on an ethics complaint against Bradford and that the plaintiff has been denied employment as a substitute teacher for the Wyoming County Board of Education.

The complaint states the town made false statements to third parties regarding Bradford, intending to slander his character and in reckless disregard for his protected rights. The suit also says town employees made similar written statements that damaged Bradford's reputation.

The plaintiff alleges subsequent loss of pay, pain and suffering, inconvenience, anguish and loss of enjoyment of life, plus refusal of employment and humiliation.

Bradford seeks compensatory, statutor, and punitive damages, lost wages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney fees and costs. He is represented by attorney Anthony Salvatore of Hewitt & Salvatore in Beckley. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Warren Randolph McGraw.

Wyoming Circuit Court case number 15-C-99