Sweeney
ST. MARYS – Newly appointed Third Judicial Circuit Judge Timothy L. Sweeney will be sworn into office Dec. 30, filling the vacancy following the death of Judge Robert Holland in September.
Acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin appointed Sweeney on Dec. 8.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Robin Jean Davis had previously appointed Senior Status Judge Robert Stone of Monongalia County to serve in the Third Circuit until the successor appointed by the governor was sworn in.
"I have known Tim for years," Davis said. "He'll be a wonderful addition to the judiciary."
Sweeney, who was born and raised in St. Marys, said he is excited to get to work.
"It will be an honor to serve as judge for folks in the Third Circuit," Sweeney said. "I am looking forward to getting to work on the court docket."
Sweeney said it will be a privilege and an honor to serve in the Third Circuit as judge.
"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "It's a great opportunity and I'm honored the governor appointed me."
After nearly 30 years as an attorney, Sweeney said he is excited to transition into a new role with new responsibilities.
"This will be a different point of view in the legal profession," he said. "I'm looking forward to the change and the new responsibilities I'll have."
Since 1985, Sweeney had been Pleasants County prosecuting attorney. He has been an attorney for nearly 30 years. He is the former president and general counsel for the Pleasants Memorial Estates and the St. Marys Motel, Inc.
Sweeney spent several years in private practice with law firms, including White & Sweeney; Sweeney & Ballard; the Sweeney Law Firm; and he served as the general counsel for nine years for the Pleasants County Bank.
Sweeney is also a past president of the West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Association, a 4-H Foundation volunteer and board member and the president of the Pleasants County Library Board. He graduated from West Virginia University and West Virginia University College of Law in 1980.
The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. in the Pleasants County Courthouse.
Sweeney and his wife, Charlene, live in St. Marys, along with their four children: Daniel, David, Sarah and Ben.
Three people were recommended to fill the circuit court judge vacancy in Doddridge, Pleasants and Ritchie counties. The Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission submitted the names of Cynthia Loomis, Rocco Mazzei and Timothy Sweeney to the Governor's Office as finalist. Sweeney was chosen from the list.
