CHARLESTON – The state Supreme Court will decide whether to suspend the law license of a former Mingo County assistant prosecutor who has been charged with murder in Kentucky.
Lafe P. Ward Jr., 47, has been accused in the death of Benita Dixson. Ward allegedly was driving under the influence when his car hit one driven by Dixson as she left the parking lot of a Wal-Mart in South Williamson, Ky., where she worked. Ward was indicted by the Pike Circuit Court in Kentucky on Jan. 10.
Ward, who lives in Williamson, worked in the Mingo County prosecutor's office for a short time in 2001. He now is a partner in a Mingo County law firm. He currently is in the Pike County, Ky., Detention Center.
On June 26, the State Bar's Office of Disciplinary counsel requested Ward's suspension. The state Supreme Court were unanimous in granting the hearing, which is scheduled for Sept. 13.
However, the Supreme Court did not grant the request for a trustee for Ward's clients.
Supreme Court to decide fate of lawyer charged with murder
ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY