CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Ethics Commission issued a public reprimand and fined state Corrections Commissioner Jim Rubenstein in a conciliation agreement announced Thursday.
According to the agreement, Rubenstein admitted to twice violating the state Ethics Act. He received reimbursement of $138.25 for a 2015 hotel stay in Charleston and he used a rent-free two-room garage apartment close to the state capitol owned by a subcontractor of the Division of Corrections for a couple of years. Rubenstein had a deal with owner Terrence Rusin that he wouldn’t be charged rent in exchange for furnishing the apartment himself. Rubenstein spent more than $3,000 on furnishings.
Rubenstein, who lives in St. Marys, was fined $7,000 for the difference between “the fair market value of any furnishings or other rental payments.” He’ll pay $1,000 a month beginning in March.
The agreement said Rubenstein asserts he did not intend to use his office for private gain.
According to the agreement, “Rubenstein believed his arrangement with Mr. Rusin would injure to the benefit of the State, as it would save the State the cost of reimbursing Rubenstein for travel to and lodging in Charleston.”
Prior to the Ethics Commission decision, Rubenstein reached an agreement with Kanawha County Prosecutor Chuck Miller not to file charges in exchange for Rubenstein fully cooperating with the Ethics Commission.
The legislature’s Committee on Special Investigations issued a report on the case in late 2015.
Rubenstein, who has headed up DOC since 2001, is scheduled to retire in April.