RICHWOOD, W.Va. — Preliminary hearings are scheduled Wednesday afternoon in Nicholas County Magistrate Court for four current and former Richwood town officials charged earlier this year as part of an investigation into recovery efforts connected to the June 2016 flood.
Prosecutors will ask Nicholas County Magistrate Michael Hanks to find enough evidence to forward charges to the grand jury against Mayor Chris Drennen, former Police Chief Lloyd Allen Cogar, former town clerk Abigail McClung and former Mayor Bob Henry Baber.
Drennen, McClung and Baber face charges related to the city’s use of millions of dollars in federal flood relief money. Cogar is accused of mishandling his state-issued purchasing card, including buying tires and services at “Allen’s Discount Tire Store,” which he owns.
The initial arrests took place March 29 following a yearlong-plus investigation by the state Auditor’s Office Public and Integrity and Fraud Unit. Allegations include fraud and embezzlement.
There was indication Tuesday afternoon that Drennen, who has denied any wrongdoing, will waive her preliminary hearing sending the charges straight to a grand jury. The other defendants could decide to do the same thing.
Baber’s hearing is set for 1 p.m., Drennen at 1:30 p.m., Cogar at 2 p.m. and McClung at 2:30 p.m.