Tag: Mingo Corruption

Chafin Withdraws Name for Mingo Judge's Seat

A former state Supreme Court candidate has withdrawn from consideration as an appointed circuit judge in Mingo County.

Tish Chafin wrote to the state Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission on Thursday. Commission member Kent Carper tells The Charleston Gazette that Chafin sought the position out of concern that solid candidates wouldn’t apply.

Six others have applied to fill the remaining term of the circuit court seat formerly held by Michael Thornsbury. He pleaded guilty in October to a federal conspiracy charge and resigned from the bench. He was elected to an eight-year term in 2008.

The commission will recommend up to five names to Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, who will make the appointment.

 The state Supreme Court appointed a Cabell County senior status judge as a temporary replacement for Thornsbury.

Mingo seeks new prosecutor, commissioner

The Mingo County Commission is expected to name a new county prosecutor and county commissioner this week.

Former prosecutor Michael Sparks and former Commissioner David Baisden resigned in October after they were charged in separate cases stemming from a corruption probe.
 
WSAZ-TV  reports that the commission interviewed candidates to replace Sparks and Baisden on Monday. Commissioners plan to name a new prosecutor and magistrate at their meeting on Wednesday.

Sparks is accused in a scheme to protect Sheriff Eugene Crum from revelations he’d bought drugs. Drum died in April in an unrelated shooting.

Baisden pleaded guilty in October to a federal extortion charge.
 

A Nov. 18 plea hearing is set for Sparks.
 
 

Mingo Co. judge pleads guilty, resigns from office

Judge Michael Thornsbury pleaded guilty to federal charges for violating a Mingo County man’s Constitutional rights when attempting to cover up a drug deal.

The man, identified as G.W., was advised by his attorney to provide the FBI with information that Sheriff Eugene Crum bought drugs from him. Thornsbury was attempting to cover up the purchase and was charged with two counts of conspiracy for the scheme.

Along with pleading guilty, Thornsbury tendered his resignation as Mingo County Circuit Judge and consented to disbarment by the state Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

“A judge swears an oath to uphold the Constitution and to abide by the highest standards of integrity. For a judge to have violated someone’s Constitutional rights is really beyond the pail,” said u.S. Prosecuting Attorney Booth Goodwin after the hearing, “but to violate someone’s rights in order to obstruct a federal investigation, that’s really unthinkable.”

Thornsbury faces a maximum 10 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

Prosecutors agreed to also dismiss separate charges in which the former judge tried to frame his secretary’s husband.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 13, 2014. He was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

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