Former Charleston Police Chief Hunt did not violate West Virginia law, according to Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney Miller

KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) — Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney Charles Miller, who has since retired, said he believes former Charleston Police Chief James “Tyke” Hunt’s actions did not violate West Virginia law.

This letter dated May 20, 2024, was given to 13 News through a Freedom of Information Act request.

Miller said he reviewed the investigation into former Chief Hunt’s actions. He called those actions “unprofessional.”

This all comes after two women formally filed complaints against former CPD Chief James “Tyke” Hunt alleging sexual misconduct.

The first complaint came from Jennifer Harless and prompted an investigation by the West Virginia State Police. She is not a city employee but alleges that she and Hunt had a consensual sexual relationship and that Hunt launched an FBI investigation into her.

According to city attorney Kevin Baker, the FBI did investigate Jennifer Harless after Hunt’s wife complained that she was being harassed by Harless. However, the FBI said they became involved because they take all such complaints seriously, and that Hunt’s position as police chief did not influence the investigation.

Harless has since filed a lawsuit against Hunt, the police department, and the city of Charleston, alleging constitutional and civil rights violations , according to court documents. She is demanding a trial by jury in the lawsuit, which was filed on June 22 in the Kanawha County Circuit Clerk’s Office.

In late August 2023, McCoy filed a complaint with the City of Charleston , alleging that she was pressured into having sex by then-Sergeant Tyke Hunt during her application process. She also alleges that she failed her polygraph test to be certified into the police force, but Hunt passed her anyway.

McCoy, who applied to be an officer in 2018, said on a local podcast, “Scoop Squad, Truth Squad,” that she had been worried about passing the polygraph exam due to her past drug use. She told Hunt about her concerns but did not mention the drugs. She said Hunt reassured her that she would pass. McCoy said she lied during the polygraph but was told by Hunt that she passed. She filed a lawsuit in March 2024 against Hunt .

In July 2023, Charleston City Council member Shannon Snodgrass requested an independent investigation into Hunt, citing Harless’ complaint. Councilwoman Beth Kerns also said in August that an investigation needs to be conducted by those not under the command of Hunt to eliminate conflict of interest.

Charleston City Council voted 21-5 on Aug. 7, 2023, in opposition to opening an outside investigation into alleged misconduct by Police Chief Tyke Hunt.

Hunt said in an apology letter in July 2023 to the Charleston City Council that he “misused city property,” and was suspended without pay for three days in June 2022. Hunt was not specific about what property he misused.

In April 2024 , Hunt was demoted and suspended following an investigation into him and Sgt. Richie Basford, according to the Charleston Police Department. Lt. Tony Hazelett with the department said Basford is back to full duty. According to Charleston Police Chief Scott Dempsey, his suspension ended on May 6, and was placed on medical leave after that.

A board of current and former members of the Charleston Police Department has voted to give Hunt $6,000 per month as a part of his disability pension.

They found that the injury Hunt received was from an off-duty incident. He will have to pay taxes on this since it was an off-duty injury.

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