ELKINS, W.Va. — A federal judge on Monday denied deferred prosecution agreements involving two magistrate judges and scheduled their trials for early next year.
U.S. District Judge Thomas Kleeh held a motion hearing regarding Lewis County Magistrate Roger Clem Jr. and Gilmer County Magistrate Alton Skinner II, who face charged involving a bonding company.
Clem allegedly took “favorable actions” for E-Z Out, which is operated by Skinner’s spouse and where Clem’s son worked. Skinner allegedly made arrangements for the company to be at arraignments without detainees knowing of other options.
The agreement would have forced both men to leave their respective positions and possibly avoid a sentence and conviction.
A jury trial for Clem and Skinner is scheduled for Feb. 18.