Attorneys for the former owners Allegheny Wood Products have announced all criminal charges against the Crites family have been dropped.
A special prosecutor appointed to the case filed a motion to dismiss the case, citing lack of evidence of wrongdoing. U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh granted the motion. The case stemmed from the company being placed into receivership and assets being sold.
AWP was one of the state’s largest hardwood businesses. At one point, it had 13 facilities and employed more than 800 people.
“This case shocks the conscience,” said Steve Ruby, one of the attorneys who represented members of the Crites family. “It is an egregious example of what happens when prosecutors abuse their power.
“The Crites family are honorable, law-abiding people who have contributed enormously to the state of West Virginia for more than 50 years. Their name was smeared by lawless prosecutors who brought fabricated charges and ultimately were forced to admit their case lacked any basis. Justice has prevailed.”
Last March, AWP was placed under receivership in federal court. After that, Hardy County law enforcement officials threatened criminal prosecution if the receivership claims of some vendors, including a Hardy County commissioner, were not paid in full.
A few days later, the county sheriff did file two criminal complaints against John Crites II for obtaining goods under false pretenses. Those complaints were dismissed in Hardy County magistrate court.
In October, the Hardy County prosecuting attorney’s office brought similar accusations to a grand jury but adding his sister Kelly Crites and father John Crites Sr. The case was moved to federal court, where Hardy County prosecutors admitted the Crites family was acting under direction of the federally appointed receiver.
In February, the federal court appointed the special prosecutor to the case who eventually sought to dismiss all charges.
Mike Hissam represented John Crites Sr.
“Mr. Crites and I are glad that someone finally had the sense to put an end to this case that should have never been started,” Hissam said. “Mr. Crites is an honest man who never committed a crime in his life. This entire prosecution was a travesty from the beginning.”
Isaac Sponaugle represented John Crites II.
"John Crites II has been cleared of these bogus charges,” Sponaugle said. “The special prosecutor dropped the criminal cases against him. There was not any evidence to show he meant to defraud anyone. The court agreed and dismissed the case. We do not have a kangaroo court in West Virginia.”
Ruby represented Kelly Crites.
“Kelly Crites is a loving mother, a good neighbor, and a respected attorney who was victimized by an extraordinary example of prosecutorial misconduct,” Ruby said. “With her good name restored, she looks forward to continuing her lifelong efforts to serve her community.”