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The petition filed by the West Virginia Office of Disciplinary Counsel says Sparks can no longer represent the interests of Mingo County residents and should be suspended.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