Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Federal prosecutors want plea hearing scheduled for Baisden



CHARLESTON, W.Va.The U.S. Attorney’s Office has asked a guilty plea hearing be scheduled for Mingo County Commissioner David Baisden. 

(Read federal prosecutor’s motion here.)

Baisden, 66, was indicted last month along with Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury on various charges.

Baisden allegedly wanted Appalachian Tire Company to give him the same deal for tires for a personal vehicle that the company gave to the county for its vehicles. 

The indictment said Baisden threatened and eventually took the county’s business elsewhere when Appalachian Power didn’t comply.

Commissioner Baisden, who gave up his purchasing agent position on the commission following the indictment, has stayed a member of the commission.

(Read original Baisden indictment here.)

Baisden’s trial was scheduled to begin Oct. 21.


Judge Thornsbury was indicted on separate charges claiming he tried several times to get the husband of his former girlfriend arrested and indicted.