Sweeney appointed to fill Third Circuit judicial vacancy

CHARLESTON -- Acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin on Wednesday appointed Timothy L. Sweeney of St. Marys to serve as judge of West Virginia's Third Judicial Circuit.

Sweeney's appointment fills the vacancy left by Judge Robert Holland, who passed away in September. Sweeney's appointment is effective immediately.

Prior to his judicial selection, Sweeney had served as Pleasants County Prosecuting Attorney since 1985. Sweeney's professional law career spans nearly 30 years. He spent several years in private practice with law firms that include White & Sweeney, Sweeney & Ballard, the Sweeney Law Firm and nine years serving as the general counsel of Pleasants County Bank.

Three people were named finalists to fill the vacancy that covers Doddridge, Pleasants and Ritchie counties. The new Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission submitted the names of Cynthia Loomis, Rocco Mazzei and Timothy Sweeney as the finalists.

"Tim has dedicated many years of public service to Pleasants County and after much thought and consideration, I determined that he possesses the broad experience and knowledge necessary to keep this circuit and the surrounding region productive for many years to come," Tomblin said.

Sweeney received a bachelor's degree in business administration from West Virginia University and a doctor of jurisprudence from WVU's College of Law.

"I deeply appreciate this honor given to me," Sweeney said. "It will be a privilege to serve the good people of Pleasants, Ritchie and Doddridge Counties as their judge."

In addition to Sweeney's extensive law career, he has spent more than a decade in business as the president and general counsel for the Pleasants Memorial Estates and the St. Marys Motel Inc.

Sweeney is the past president of the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Association, a member of the West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association and a member of the National College of District Attorneys.

Also active in the community, Sweeney is a Boy Scouts of America T-28 scout master and committee member, 4-H Foundation volunteer and board member and the president of the Pleasants County Library Board.

Sweeney resides in St. Marys and is married to wife, Charlene, along with their four children: Daniel, David, Sarah and Ben.