{Point Pleasant, West Virginia}...Mason County Sheriff David Anthony, 42, of Point Pleasant, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that he misused county funds. Anthony was indicted last week on charges of wanton endangerment, child neglect with risk of injury, domestic assault and shooting near a dwelling. He was also charged with 19 counts of embezzlement, 18 counts of unauthorized use of a government purchasing card, and fraudulent schemes. Authorities say Anthony used the county's credit cards and checks to spend more than $2,400 for his own personal use and that he was intoxicated when he fired a handgun over his 13 year old son's head on November 1st. Anthony, who is entering his fourth year as sheriff, was earlier court-ordered to attend an alcohol rehabilitation program. He was placed on paid leave when arrested in November. Mason County commissioners say they will file a petition requesting Anthony's removal from office within the next few months. Anthony's trial is scheduled for April 10th.
