Tag: Magistrate Ward Harshbarger

Court OKs Sanctions Against Kanawha Co. Magistrate

The West Virginia Supreme Court has approved sanctions against a Kanawha County magistrate who admitted he mishandled a domestic violence petition.

The sanctions include public censure of Magistrate Ward Harshbarger and a $2,000 fine. Harshbarger also must pay $3,790 for the investigation’s cost.
 
The Charleston Gazette reports the court issued its order late last month. The sanctions were recommended by the Judicial Investigation Commission.
 
The commission had accused Harshbarger of not following proper procedures and discussing the petition with police officers who weren’t involved in the case. The commission alleged that Harshbarger refused to grant the petition without giving it a full and fair review.
 
Kanawha County prosecutor Mark Plants’ ex-wife, Allison Plants, petitioned for a domestic violence protective order against him on Feb. 26.
 

Kanawha County Magistrate Faces Ethics Charges

A Kanawha County magistrate faces ethics charges stemming from his denial of a domestic violence petition against the county’s prosecutor.
The Judicial Investigation Commission alleges that Magistrate Ward Harshbarger violated several canons of the judicial code of conduct, including upholding the judiciary’s integrity and independence.

 
The commission made the charges public Tuesday.
 
A statement of the charges says prosecutor Mark Plants’ ex-wife, Allison Plants, sought the petition on Feb. 26. Harshbarger is accused of refusing to grant the petition without giving it a full and fair review.
 
The commission also says Harshbarger discussed the petition with police officers who weren’t involved in the case.
 
A woman who answered Harshbarger’s phone at magistrate court on Wednesday said there would be no comment.

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