CHARLESTON – The Kanawha County Commission has appointed Debra Rusnak as interim prosecuting attorney in the wake of Chuck Miller’s retirement.
Rusnak was sworn in June 13 during the commission’s meeting. Commissioners Lance Wheeler, Ben Salango and Marc Slotnick each independently reviewed the resumes of the three candidates submitted for the seat, and each commissioner discussed the resumes individually with the county manager.
All three separately chose Rusnak for the job, according to a press release.
“I’ve known Deb Rusnak for over 20 years,” Salango told The West Virginia Record. “She is the best choice to lead the Kanawha County prosecutor’s office. She has successfully prosecuted some of the most dangerous criminals in West Virginia, securing lengthy prison sentences for violent offenders.
“I’m proud to vote for her to be the first female to lead the prosecutor’s office in Kanawha County history.”
After she was sworn, Rusnak thanked Miller for his years of public service and for being a mentor to her. She also thanked the commission for having faith in her to take over the job.
She was sworn in by Kanawha Circuit Judge Tera Salango.
Rusnak is a West Virginia University College of Law graduate and has served as lead counsel with the county prosecutor's office on 360 felony cases, which included many jury trials that were multiple homicide and sexual assault trials. These trials resulted in life sentences and effective life sentences, including terms of 775, 665 and 380 years.
Rusnak took the oath of office at the commission meeting in the Henry C. "Hoppy" Shores County Commission Courtroom.
She won the Republican primary election last month in a contentious race against Morgan Switzer, and John Mitchell won the Democratic primary. They will face off in November.
In addition to Rusnak, the other two applicants for the position who submitted resumes were former Kanawha County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Don Morris and former United States Attorney Criminal Deputy Chief R. Gregory McVey.
Rusnak will serve the remainder of Miller’s term after he announced his plans to retire last month. Miller, 75, cited health issues and age when announcing his decision to retire.
“After considerable thought and reflection, I have decided to retire from the position of Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney, effective 5:00 p.m., June 13, 2024,” Miller said in a letter hand-delivered May 31 to the Kanawha County Commission.
“I greatly appreciate the support the commission has given my office during my time as prosecuting attorney. It has been an honor to serve the people of Kanawha County. However, it is time for me to move on with the next phase of my life.”
A Republican and former U.S. Attorney, Miller was elected to the position in 2016. Miller already had decided not to run for re-election this year.
“We would like to thank Prosecutor Miller for his dedicated service to the citizens of Kanawha County since his appointment in 2014,” the commission said in a statement upon his announcement. “His leadership of the Prosecutor’s Office has been inspiring to all the Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys and staff. He will be greatly missed. He leaves the county with a legacy of unwavering dedication, integrity, and honor.”