FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Marion County prosecutors have filed charges against a Wheeling defense attorney alleging misconduct in a recent murder case.
Defense Attorney Elgine McArdle, 61, of Wheeling, is accused of violating an order issued by Marion County Circuit Court Judge David Janes from last November barring any disclosures of Child Advocacy Center evidence in the Henry Silver murder trial. McArdle has been charged with 13 counts of violating the confidentiality of the recorded interviews of a child.
McArdle represented Pagan Motorcycle Club member Ryan Lane, who the state said played a role in facilitating the murder of Silver in 2022.
Prosecutors have also charged former Bridgeport City Councilor and employee of the McArdle Law Office, Lowell “LJ” Maxey, with working as a private investigator without a license, a misdemeanor.
Lane’s two-week trial ended in a mistrial and he is currently on home confinement.
McArdle was in the process of filing motions against the state alleging prosecutorial misconduct, presenting false testimony, suppressing exculpatory evidence, and creating a prejudicial environment in the courtroom.
She was arraigned in Marion County Magistrate Court Tuesday and released on $2,000 personal recognizance bond.
McArdle is the former chairwoman of the West Virginia Republican Party.