{Charleston, West Virginia}...At a hearing Wednesday morning before the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, Magistrate Judge Carol Fouty's attorney, Michael Del Guidice, argued keeping her suspended without pay would be a death sentence, and that since none of the allegations have been proven, Fouty should be reinstated. Fouty was suspended in April while judicial officials consider allegations that she followed improper procedures in court and dismissed cases in exchange for personal favors. Teresa Tarr, with the Judicial Investigation Commission, argued that Fouty has a history of ethical violations, with four judicial admonishments in three separate cases. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the full case starting August 8th. If found guilty of all charges against her, Fouty could be suspended for up to five years.
