Curtis Tate Published

Justice Says He Just Learned About $861,000 Loan Default Judgment

Gov. Jim Justice sitting at his desk wearing a green tie in honor of St. Patrick’s Day as he signs into law the state’s budget bill HB 2024 on Friday, March 17, 2023.
Gov. Jim Justice on March 17, 2023.
WV Governor's Office
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Gov. Jim Justice said he didn’t know that a bank loan to one of his coal companies he personally guaranteed had gone into default.

Justice said in his weekly briefing Wednesday that he just learned about the $861,000 default judgment that would require the state auditor to garnish his wages.

“I found out about this when you found out about this,” he said. “You know that I give away 100 percent of my salary to communities and schools. Have done that from day one.”

Justice accused Citizens Bank of West Virginia of “grandstanding” but said the matter would be resolved.

The bank filed a document last week in Randolph County Circuit Court in Elkins seeking to recover $847,000 from Justice, plus interest and fees. 

The bank had loaned Bluestone Resources, a coal company his family owns, the money for an equipment purchase.

Justice could have forfeited 20 percent of his wages on each paycheck to settle the debt.