Ex-DOH Director Dies After Indictment on Federal Racketeering Charges

A former director of the West Virginia Division of Highway’s equipment division has died after being indicted on federal racketeering charges.

U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld announced Tuesday, Aug. 1, that Robert Glen Andrew II, of Bridgeport, was charged with 29 counts relating to what the government calls the creation of a “culture of corruption” within the Division of Highways.

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department has yet to confirm Andrew’s death, but media reports indicate that Andrew was found dead outside Bridgeport overnight.

Transportation Secretary Paul Mattox issued a statement today regarding Andrew’s death:

“I was saddened to hear of the passing of our former Equipment Division Director, Bob Andrew.  I know I speak for the entire Division of Highways staff when I say our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Andrew family.”

The federal indictment says Andrew used state resources, including workers and equipment, to engage in political activity on state time. The government also accuses Andrew of bid-rigging by creating non-competitive bid specifications that favor particular vendors.

Prosecutors say a large commercial mowing company also was named in the indictment.