Associated Press Published

Federal Grand Jury charges 2 Magistrates in West Virginia

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Two county magistrates in West Virginia have been indicted on federal fraud and conspiracy charges stemming from use of a bonding company operated by the family of one of the magistrates.

 

Prosecutors said in a news release that 47-year-old Lewis County Magistrate Roger D. Clem Jr., of Weston, and 57-year-old Gilmer County Magistrate Alton L. Skinner II, of Sand Fork, were indicted Tuesday.

 

The men are charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud and obstruction of justice. Skinner is charged with making a false statement to a federal agent.

 

Clem is accused of taking favorable court action for E-Z Out bonding company, including setting unnecessary surety bonds, and arranging bond with Skinner without giving the detainee a list of companies.

 

It’s unclear whether Clem and Skinner have lawyers.