RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield has submitted his resignation amid escalating allegations of misconduct, harassment, and personal disputes.
“After considerable reflection, I have decided to step down from this role to refocus my priorities on my family and other personal pursuits. Serving as the Prosecuting Attorney for Raleigh County has been an extraordinary privilege and honor. I am deeply grateful to the people of Raleigh County for their trust, support, and confidence throughout my term in office.”
“As we approach the upcoming November 2024 General Election, I wish to clarify that, should I win re-election as Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney, I will respectfully refuse the office. My decision to step down is final, and my focus is now directed toward new priorities outside of public office. As I take this step toward the next chapter in my career and personal life, l remain hopeful and optimistic for the future. l will carry forward the invaluable lessons and experiences gained during my time in office, and I remain dedicated to Raleigh County’s continued well-being. Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve this community. It’s been a true honor to serve.”
The Raleigh County Commission recently took steps toward impeaching Hatfield, citing multiple allegations, including workplace harassment, and an issued protective order against him. A petition filed by the commission accuses Hatfield of creating a hostile work environment and includes claims that he engaged in intimidating behavior toward a woman who described herself as a former romantic partner.
This series of events follows a protective order granted by a family court judge, which prevents Hatfield from contacting the woman involved for 180 days. Further, the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations and the Lawyer Disciplinary Counsel are investigating these claims, and additional civil suits are anticipated. With the resignation, Raleigh County’s legal offices are expected to move forward under new interim leadership while the commission awaits the completion of ongoing investigations.
Ben Hatfield filed a DVP against the woman who currently has a DVP on him, but it was denied in court on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
The time comes as Hatfield is currently running for a second term as Raleigh County Prosecutor, but he is unopposed. Currently, Jordan Adkins is running as a write-in candidate.
According to state law, §3-10-8. Vacancies in offices of prosecuting attorney, sheriff, assessor and surveyor.
(a) Any vacancy occurring in the office of prosecuting attorney, sheriff, assessor or county surveyor shall be filled by the county commission within thirty days of the vacancy by appointment of a person of the same political party as the officeholder vacating the office. The appointed person shall hold the office for the period stated by section one of this article.
(b) Notwithstanding any code provision to the contrary, a county commission may appoint a temporary successor to the office of prosecuting attorney, sheriff, assessor or county surveyor until the requirements of this section have been met. The temporary successor may serve no more than thirty days from the date of the vacancy.
(c) If an election is necessary under section one of this article, the county commission, or the president thereof in vacation, shall be responsible for the proper proclamation, by order, and notice required by section one of this article.
(d) Section one of this article shall be followed with respect to any election needed to fill a vacancy, except that if the vacancy occurs after the primary cutoff date but not later than the general cutoff date, candidates to fill the vacancy shall be nominated by the county executive committee in the manner provided in section nineteen, article five of this chapter, as in the case of filling vacancies in nominations, and the names of the persons, so nominated and certified to the clerk of the county commission of the county, shall be placed upon the ballot to be voted at the next general election.
