BECKLEY – The Raleigh County Circuit Court Clerk has resigned after allegedly making racist and sexist statements.
R.M. “Bob” McComas resigned February 7, according to Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield. He was suspended from office until February 12, which is when his resignation becomes official. Hatfield notified the Raleigh County Commission of McComas’ resignation February 7.
Raleigh Circuit Judge Andrew Dimlich has 30 days to appoint a successor. County officials say the hope is to open a window to allow for the position to be on the May primary ballots for someone to fill out four years left on McComas’ six-year term.
McComas is a Republican and former State Trooper. He defeated Democratic incumbent Paul Flanagan in the 2022 election.
According to multiple published reports, county officials learned of issues with McComas when office employees had told court officials they felt uncomfortable at work because of comments McComas had made in the office. He allegedly made comments about women who work in the circuit clerk’s office as well as racial and ethnic groups in general as well as immigrants.
“This was an effort by my office, in conjunction with the Raleigh County Commission, to make sure that every single county employee has a safe and secure workplace environment,” Hatfield told MetroNews.
McComas had been suspended while Hatfield’s office conducted an investigation into the complaints. Hatfield told the Beckley Register-Herald the investigation nearly was complete when McComas announced his plans to resign.
Hatfield also told the newspaper his office was “able to substantiate significant wrongdoing on behalf of Mr. McComas.”
“To have this completely wrapped up this quickly, I think, is about as fast as government works,” Hatfield told the Register-Herald. “What I really wanted to do was one, investigate thoroughly for all parties involved, but to make sure that every single county employee has a safe and secure work environment.”
