West Virginia’s attorney general is accusing a convenience store company of illegally raising water prices while running water was unusable after a chemical spill.
Attorney General Patrick Morrisey filed the enforcement action Friday in Putnam County Circuit Court, claiming Mid Valley Mart more than doubled prices for one-gallon water jugs to $3.39 at two Hurricane stores. The complaint also says one customer paid more than $40 for 12 one-gallon jugs.
The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, reimbursement to customers and fines in excess of $5,000 per violation.
Store owner Achraf Assi declined comment.
It’s illegal in West Virginia to raise prices on essential products and services by more than 10 percent in a state of emergency.
The Jan. 9 spill spurred a tap water-use ban for days for 300,000 West Virginians.
Tag: Attorney General Patrick Morrisey
Two W.Va. Agencies Join Lawsuit Against Drug Company
Two West Virginia agencies are joining a lawsuit against an Ohio drug company, alleging its negligent practices have helped fuel the state’s pain pill abuse epidemic.
The Department of Health and Human Resources and the Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety recently signed on as plaintiffs in the attorney general’s lawsuit against Cardinal Health.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey recused himself in August from the lawsuit filed by the office because his wife lobbies for the company in Washington, D.C.
The suit was filed during former Attorney General Darrell McGraw’s last term. Morrisey defeated McGraw in the 2012 general election.
The Charleston Gazette reports that outside lawyers handling the case will now report to the heads of the other departments and their agencies’ attorneys.
W.Va. AG Filing Subpoenas for Water Price Gouging
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is filing subpoenas over reported price hikes on water amid a ban on running water.
Morrisey said his office received more than 150 calls and documented 74 reports of people selling water or other goods at higher prices. The office will follow up with letters and subpoenas.
It’s illegal in West Virginia to raise prices on essential products and services by more than 10 percent in a state of emergency. Maximum penalties include a $1,000 fine and a year in jail.
Morrisey says many reports were over doubled prices for packs of water bottles. The office heard one seller charged $50 for five gallons.
The office began fielding complaints a day after last Thursday’s chemical spill. Reports of gouging dwindled when water reserves arrived.
W.Va. Democrats Oppose Attorney General's Call for More Audits
Democratic legislative leaders won’t back Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s call for more audits of the West Virginia Legislature, state office holders and agencies.
The Republican attorney general is urging lawmakers to institute additional audits amid controversy over a $5 million state Department of Agriculture loan program. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is investigating the program’s alleged mismanagement of money.
Democratic Senate President Jeff Kessler and House Speaker Tim Miley questioned the need for more audits.
Miley also has targeted Morrisey for ties to two drug companies that his office is suing. Morrisey said he recused himself from the cases because his companies are his wife’s lobbying clients. The lawsuits stem from the last attorney general.
Miley is calling for stronger conflict of interest laws as a result.