Raleigh County Commission to request investigation regarding claims made against prosecuting attorney

Beckley, WV (WOAY)- During this morning’s special emergency meeting, the Raleigh County Commission announced it will request an investigation into allegations against prosecuting attorney Ben Hatfield. 

The commissioners decided to pursue an investigation based on information provided by three current Raleigh County Circuit judges alleging inappropriate conduct from Hatfield. 

The news comes following Wednesday’s hearing, where a domestic violence emergency protective order against Hatfield was dismissed. 

The hearing was held behind closed doors, so we don’t know what evidence or testimony was presented. 

The request for a full order was dismissed because the judge did not find enough evidence to justify the petitioner’s claims. 

The petitioner described themselves as a sexual partner in the initial request for an emergency protective order, which was granted last week. 

The Raleigh County Commission will request the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations initiate an investigation into the claims and inform the commission of its findings. 

The commission announced it will not offer any additional statements on the matter until the investigation is complete.