UPDATE
The U.S. Attorney for West Virginia ’s Southern District is talking more this afternoon about a corruption investigation focused on two elected officials in Mingo County
Mingo County Commissioner David Baisden, 66, was arrested Thursday morning. He’s been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of attempted extortion.
Early on Thursday afternoon, Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury was arrested and charged with violating Constitutional rights.
Thornsbury is accused of using his position to target the husband of his ex-mistress, a woman who reportedly worked as his secretary. Federal prosecutors say he conspired to have the man illegally arrested and manipulated a state grand jury to pursue criminal charges against the same man.
Commissioner Baisden allegedly demanded Appalachian Tire to sell him tires at the discounted rate the company sold tires to the county. The indictment also says Baisden threatened to cut off the business the county did with the company unless Appalachian Tire gave him the same deal. Appalachian Tire refused.
The Mingo County Commission did cut-off business with Appalachian Tire in 2009. The company says it lost thousands of dollars.
Baisden is scheduled to appear for a hearing in federal magistrate court at 3 p.m. Thornsbury was expected to make a court appearance shortly after that.
In addition to the federal charges, Thornsbury could face disciplinary action. State Supreme Court Administrator Steve Canterbury said the following of the possible judicial procedure:
“We will file an extraordinary complaint under rule 2.14 of the rules of judicial procedure. That will be sent to the judicial investigation commission. It will recommend what action the Supreme Court should take. We expect that to be suspension without pay pending the outcome of the procedure,” said Canterbury
“The Chief Justice will have to appoint someone to hear cases. If Thornsbury resigns, the Governor would appoint a replacement.”
