CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The special judge appointed by the state Supreme Court in the case of Kanawha County Prosecutor Mark Plants has filed a motion for a special prosecutor in the case.
The State Police is investigating a child abuse complaint made against Plants by his ex-wife. Allison Plants claims the prosecutor was excessive in disciplining one of their children. The prosecutor said he does spank his children. There have been no charges filed.
Mercer County Circuit Judge Derek Swope’s order disqualifies the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office from handling any of the proceedings in the case. The West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys’ Institute will appoint a special prosecutor.
The Supreme Court appointed Judge Swope and a Cabell County Family Court judge to preside over any current or future proceedings. A current protective order is keeping Plants away from his children. The order is scheduled for a March 21 hearing.