CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The announcement Tuesday that former state Supreme Court Justice Menis Ketchum would soon plead guilty to a federal criminal charge is another blow to the state’s highest court.
Ketchum, whose earlier resignation announcement took effect last Friday, joins suspended Justice Allan Loughry in the federal court system. Ketchum will plead guilty to a wire fraud charge while Loughry is currently fighting 23 counts associated with court spending, the use of state property and alleged obstruction.
West Virginia Association of Justice Executive Committee member Jonathan Marshall said the reputation of the state’s judicial system has taken a hard hit.
“I think we have a vested interest in improving the perception of our judiciary,” Marshall said during an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline” Tuesday. “I think we’re going to have work very hard in the months and years to come to improve that perception moving forward.”
U.S. Attorney Mike Stuart said Tuesday, when announcing the charge against Ketchum, there’s no such thing as a little bit of public corruption. He said state residents deserve better.
“I believe it’s a fundamental right of every West Virginian to have honest government with public officials worthy of the greatness of our people,” Stuart said.
The Loughry and now Ketchum cases have impacted the public trust, Marshall said.
“Our judicial system is built on trust. Trust that you’re going to have a fair shake. Trust that the people who are adjudicating your claim are impartial, unbiased, that they are moral individuals,” Marshall said.
Stuart said Ketchum did the right thing by agreeing to plead guilty. He said Ketchum came to his office and admitted his use of a state vehicle and state fuel card for personal use.
“He’s an incredibly bright man, very, very capable. He’s done some incredibly good things for West Virginia.This is not an indictment on his life, for sure.,” Stuart said on “Talkline.”But he entered into this agreement willingly and soon you’ll be able to have the stipulation of the facts behind this. We are very confident where this is going.”
A plea hearing in the Ketchum case will be scheduled in the near future.