Both Circuit Judge Michael
Thornsbury and County Commissioner David Baisden plead “not guilty” during
their arraignments in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Dwane Tinsley at the
Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse in Downtown Charleston.
Last week, both were arrested.
Thornsbury is charged with two
counts of conspiracy. He allegedly had an affair with his former secretary and,
when she broke off the relationship, the judge is accused of attempting to have
the woman’s husband arrested several times on false charges.
When asked by Judge Tinsley how he
wanted to plead, Thornsbury said, “Absolutely not guilty!” His trial is set for
October 15 in front of Judge Thomas Johnston. Thornsbury told the judge he has
surrendered his passport.
Meanwhile, Baisden is charged with
extortion. He allegedly canceled the county’s contract with Appalachian Tire
when the company refused to give Baisden the same rate for tires for his
personal use that the county receives for its fleet.
Baisden also said, “not guilty’
when asked by the judge about his plea. His trial is set for October 21 in
front of Judge John Copenhaver. As he left the federal courthouse, Baisden said
to reporters, “We will settle this in court.”
Both men are free on $10,000 bond.
Thornsbury has been suspended from
the bench by the state Supreme Court.
Baisden resigned as the Mingo County
