Trooper resigns amid Mingo corruption case

The West Virginia State Police announced Friday veteran trooper Brandon Moore has resigned his position. Moore was assigned to the Williamson detachment and was implicated in the ongoing federal investigation into political corruption in Mingo County.

A federal indictment against former Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury named Moore.  The indictment alleged Moore was involved in a plot to arrest Robert Woodruff on fabricated charges. Woodruff is the husband of Thornsbury’s former secretary. Investigators claimed the plot was an effort by Thornsbury to rekindle a past relationship with the woman.

Moore, who was named State Police Trooper of the Year in 2010, later transferred to the Beckley Detachment.  He had been on administrative leave since August when the allegations came to light. State Police had been conducting an internal investigation into the case and announced his resignation on Friday. State Police Spokesman Mike Baylous offered no reason or time for his departure from the agency.