Immediate suspension of Mingo County prosecutor sought

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Supreme Court is being asked to immediately suspend the law license of Mingo County Prosecutor Michael Sparks after information about his alleged conduct surfaced in a federal investigation Thursday.

Federal court papers allege Mingo County Prosecutor Michael Sparks was part of courthouse conspiracy.

(Read full petition here.)

Sparks allegedly conspired with suspended Mingo County Circuit Judge Michael Thornsbury, Mingo County Commissioner David Baisden and deceased Sheriff Eugene Crum to pressure a Delbarton man named in drug charges to switch attorneys.

The federal information alleges the group wanted George White to stop speaking with federal authorities who were looking at drug allegations against Sheriff Crum.

The petition filed by the West Virginia Office of Disciplinary Counsel says Sparks can no longer represent the interests of Mingo County residents and should be suspended.

Sparks took himself off Crum’s murder case Wednesday citing “an emerging conflict of interest.”

 





More News

News
PSC approves settlements involving Mon Power, net-metering cases
Rate increase went into effect Tuesday.
March 27, 2024 - 9:42 pm
News
Speakers at Focus Forward symposium discuss AI capabilities in West Virginia
The event was organized by the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation.
March 27, 2024 - 8:30 pm
News
Justice vetoes vaccination exemption bill, draws praise from healthcare groups
Educational and healthcare organizations banded together to urge a veto.
March 27, 2024 - 6:35 pm
News
Testimony wraps up in attempt to remove 2 Jefferson County commissioners from office
Three-judge panel hears 2 days of testimony.
March 27, 2024 - 5:11 pm


Your Comments