Ex-Mingo prosecutor had ‘no viable defense’

Former Mingo County Prosecutor Michael Sparks said Monday during his guilty plea to a federal crime that he had “no viable defense” for what he did.

Sparks, 44, admitted he violated a man’s constitutional rights in order to protect former Mingo County Sheriff Eugene Crum. He now faces up to a year in federal prison when he’s sentenced Feb. 24.

Sparks had no comment when he left the federal courthouse in Charleston.

Federal prosecutors said Sparks and former Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury, who also has been convicted of a federal crime, urged accused drug dealer George White to get a different attorney and then he would get a better deal in court. White’s other attorney was urging him to speak with federal investigators about Sheriff Crum’s alleged drug habits.

Sparks has resigned as prosecutor and surrendered his law license. He now has a job in Pikeville, Ky., awaiting his sentencing.

Sparks has promised to continue to cooperate with federal investigators in the ongoing Mingo County probe. He has been granted limited use immunity.

U.S. District Judge Thomas Johnston took the plea and will sentence Sparks. He’ll have a range that cannot exceed one year in federal prison. Sparks also faces one year supervised release and a $1,000 fine.