BECKLEY, W.Va. — A Family Court judge dismissed a domestic violence petition Wednesday that had been filed against Raleigh County Prosecutor Ben Hatfield.
A woman describing herself as a sexual partner had sworn-out the petition which was originally denied but then overturned on appeal to Family Court.
Wednesday’s closed-door final hearing in Beckley resulted in the case being dismissed.
Hatfield’s attorney Brandon Steele said the system worked.
“The court found that the charges were not credible. As I’ve said all along, my client has been accused of something that was ridiculous. They were baseless charges,” Steele told reporters following the three-hour hearing. “I’m glad the justice system worked today and we were able to get this dismissed and he can get back to his job of doing the right thing and protecting Raleigh County.”
Wednesday’s decision was made by Family Court Judge Harley Stollings, who was appointed special judge in the case.
Hatfield is running unopposed for another four-year term in office in the November election.
Domestic violence hearings are closed to the public.