CHARLESTON – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has announced the appointment of Jason A. Cuomo as Circuit Court Judge for the 1st Judicial Circuit, William Douglas Witten as Circuit Court Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit, and David Camilletti as Family Court Judge for the 24th Family Court Circuit.
Tomblin appointed attorney Jason A. Cuomo as Circuit Judge for the 1st Judicial Circuit serving Brooke, Hancock and Ohio counties. Cuomo will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Martin J. Gaughan.
"Judge Gaughan has faithfully served the people of the 1st Judicial Circuit and is greatly respected in the courtroom and his community," Tomblin said. "I'm confident Jason's legal background as well as his commitment to helping his community will serve the people of Brooke, Hancock and Ohio counties well in his new role as judge."
A graduate of Allegheny College and West Virginia University College of Law, Cuomo started his own legal practice in 1996. He has served on a number of boards and commissions, including the Brooke County Schools Education Foundation and the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education. Cuomo is a dedicated member of the Wellsburg community and has coached a number of youth sports teams.
"It's humbling when you realize the number of good people involved in this process, and I'll do my best to serve the people of the Northern Panhandle," Cuomo said.
Tomblin appointed attorney William Douglas Witten as Circuit Court Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit serving Logan County. Witten will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Roger L. Perry.
"Judge Perry's professionalism is well respected in the 7th Judicial Circuit," Tomblin said. "I'm confident Doug's long history of legal experience will serve him well in this new role as circuit judge."
A graduate of West Virginia University and West Virginia University College of Law, Witten began his legal career in 1969. He served as the assistant prosecuting attorney of Logan County and as a partner in Damron, Parks & Witten from 1970-1975. In 1976, Witten established Avis & Witten, later Avis, Witten & Wandling. He is active in the local Boy Scouts of America chapter and is the past campaign chairman and president of the Logan County United Fund.
"I appreciate the confidence Governor Tomblin has shown in me and I will endeavor to do a good job for the people of Logan County," Witten said.
Tomblin appointed attorney David A. Camilletti as Family Court Judge for the 24th Family Court Circuit serving Jefferson and Berkeley counties. Camilletti will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Family Court Judge Bill Wertman Jr.
"Judge Wertman has a track record of working for West Virginia families in the 24th Circuit for nearly 15 years, and I'm grateful for his service," Tomblin said. "David has extensive experience in a variety of legal disciplines, which will serve him well as the new Family Court Judge for Jefferson and Berkeley counties."
A graduate of West Virginia University and West Virginia University College of Law, Camilletti began his law career as part of the Laurita Coal Group in 1982. In 1989, he was named Director of Administration and Executive Counsel at Glenville State College, where he also taught business law until 1991. He has served as part of the West Virginia State Senate Committee for Health and Human Services, general counsel for the Jefferson County Board of Education, and is currently the sole practitioner of Camilletti Law Office.
"I come from a family of lawyers, and my family and I are proud to serve the people of the Eastern Panhandle in such an important role," Camilletti said. "My thanks to Governor Tomblin for the trust he has placed in me."