PHILIPPI, W.Va. —The Barbour County Commission moved quickly Friday to fill a leadership void in the sheriff’s department.
The commission named Lt. Phil Ferguson as interim sheriff following Thursday’s resignation of Sheriff John Hawkins.
Hawkins resigned as part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors. He pleaded guilty Thursday to committing insurance fraud. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
The county commission has 30 days to name a permanent replacement.