Beckley, WV (WOAY)-The Clay Nicholas County Family Court has granted a domestic violence protective order (DVPO) against Raleigh County prosecuting attorney Ben Hatfield.
According to the court order, the petitioner and Hatfield were consensual sexual partners.
On July 26, 2024, the petitioner sought out a domestic violence protective order accusing Hatfield of sexual assault.
The family court rejected and denied the DVPO on August 21, 2024, which the petitioner appealed.
On September 17, 2024, a circuit court vacated the family court’s decision and reinstated the emergency protective order.
Court documents state that after Hatfield was made aware of the emergency drop, he encountered the petitioner at the Beckley YMCA soccer complex.
The petitioner alleges Hatfield violated the order by coming within 35 feet of her, staring at her for at least three seconds, and pursing his lips as if to blow a kiss.
While Hatfield stated he did not see the petitioner, the court did not find his testimony credible.
The family court says Hatfield’s actions were meant to threaten the petitioner, violating the protection order.
The court has ordered Hatfield to avoid all contact with the petitioner and surrender all firearms.
The domestic violence protective order will be in effect for 180 days.
We have contacted Hatfield’s attorney, Brandon Steele, for comment but have yet to hear back.
We will keep you updated as this story continues to develop.
