Dave Mistich Published

Judge Seeks More Information in Gov. Justice Residency Suit Before Ruling on Motions

Jim Justice

A Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge asked for more information Monday on motions in a lawsuit that seeks to compel Gov. Jim Justice to reside in Charleston.

 

Isaac Sponaugle, a Democratic member of the House of Delegates, filed a lawsuit in June to compel Gov. Justice to meet a state constitutional requirement that he reside in the state capital of Charleston.

 

Judge Charles King questioned Sponaugle during Monday’s hearing on how the governor’s residency would or could be enforced.

 

Sponaugle had filed a motion to compel discovery of evidence and sanction Gov. Justice for not turning over discovery. Gov. Justice’s counsel sought to have the case dismissed because Sponaugle didn’t give 30 days notice before the suit was filed.

 

No ruling was issued on either matter.

 

Judge King has asked Sponaugle and the governor’s counsel to submit proposed orders outlining their respective motions before a ruling will take place.