CHARLESTON – Michael T. Baylous’ appointment as U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Feb. 15, and the Cabell County native called the appointment “a dream come true for me.”
Baylous was recommended for the U.S. Marshal position by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia). President Donald J. Trump nominated Baylous for confirmation on Capito’s recommendation.
Baylous said he originally applied to the Marshals Service after he graduated from West Virginia University in 1992, but never heard back from the service on that application.
“I grew up watching western movies with my father and grandfather,” Baylous told The West Virginia Record. “On the big screen, just as in real life, U.S. Marshals and Deputy U.S. Marshals always possessed great courage and a strong moral conviction.”
“Looking back on it now, I realize that at the time I didn’t have any life experience and that God had other plans for me."
As a U.S. Marshal, Baylous said his duties will include “ensuring the security of federal judicial buildings, judges, U.S. attorneys, witnesses and defendants; prisoner transportation; Adam Walsh Act Compliance; apprehension of fugitives; Witness Protection Program; federal disaster assistance; and asset forfeiture.”
Baylous said he grew up on the Barboursville/Salt Rock line, and he has always received support from friends and family in his hometown.
“I wholeheartedly believe that West Virginians support and respect their law enforcement officers more than any other state in the union,” Baylous said. “I can’t imagine what it must be like to work in some areas of our country where law enforcement officers are viewed at in a negative light. I have been so blessed to serve the citizens of West Virginia.”
Baylous holds an associate degree in police science from Marshall University, a Bachelor of Arts in political science from WVU, a master’s degree in government with an emphasis on public administration from Regent University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Professionally, he was a former appointed member of the Federal Advisory Committee on Juvenile Justice and the Governor’s Committee on Crime, Delinquency, and Corrections, was the former president of the West Virginia Council for the Prevention of Suicide and was the former state director for the American Association of State Troopers.
Baylous said he retired as a lieutenant with more than 24 years of service within the West Virginia State Police. In his time as a state policeman, he held positions including logistics officer, public information officer, supervisor and investigator within the Bureau of Criminal Investigations and field trooper.
Capito said in a statement that she is glad that Baylous was confirmed for the position.
“I was proud to recommend Michael Baylous to serve as the next U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia and to support his nomination throughout the confirmation process,” Capito said in the statement. “There is no doubt that he has a strong commitment to maintaining the rule of law and ensuring West Virginians are safe.”