Ex-W.Va. Judge Reports to Florida Prison

 A former West Virginia judge has reported to a Florida prison to serve his sentence for a corruption conviction.

The Charleston Daily Mail reports ex-Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury reported Tuesday to the minimum-security Federal Prison Camp in Pensacola.

Thornsbury was sentenced June 9 to four years and two months in prison. U.S. Judge Thomas E. Johnston compared Thornsbury’s abuse of power to what could be expected from a “third-world dictator.”

Last year Thornsbury pleaded guilty to conspiring to deprive campaign sign maker George White of his constitutional rights. Prosecutors said Thornsbury participated in a scheme to protect the late Sheriff Eugene Crum, a political ally, from accusations that the sheriff bought prescription painkillers from White.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons determined where Thornsbury would serve his sentence.