Beckley, WV (WOAY) – The Raleigh County Commission voted unanimously to begin impeachment proceedings against Raleigh County prosecuting attorney Ben Hatfield.
The petition comes after numerous allegations have been made against Hatfield.
A family court judge granted a 180-day protection order against Hatfield for what the order describes as a sexual partner.
Additionally, several employees of his office and beyond have signaled that they intend to file civil lawsuits alleging workplace harassment.
Once the petition is filed, a circuit judge will consider it and decide if it has merit.
If they decide the petition has merit, it will be heard by a three-judge court appointed by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
Last month, Raleigh County Commission president Greg Duckworth released a statement clarifying that since Hatfield is an elected official, the commission has no control over whether or not he returns to office.
The county commission has already requested the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations open a probe into Hatfield’s office after three circuit court judges provided them with information.
