A former West Virginia judge
has reported to a Florida
Ex-Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury reported
Tuesday to the minimum-security Federal Prison Camp Pensacola.
Thornsbury was sentenced June 9 to four years and two months in
prison. U.S. Judge Thomas E. Johnston compared Thornsbury's abuse of power to
what could be expected from a "third-world dictator."
Last year Thornsbury pleaded guilty to conspiring to deprive
campaign sign maker George White of his constitutional rights.
Prosecutors said Thornsbury participated in a scheme to protect
the late Sheriff Eugene Crum, a political ally, from accusations that the sheriff
bought prescription painkillers from White.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons determined where Thornsbury would
serve his sentence.
