Fayette County candidate found in contempt of court

FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Fayette County judge has found a candidate running for magistrate in contempt of court.

Judge Blake issued a ruling that Rick Pannell Jr. be held in contempt of court for failing to update all political signs.

In an original complaint filed in the Circuit Court of Fayette County , magistrate candidate Amanda Davis is suing one of her opponents, Richard “Rick” Pannell Jr., for his chosen name on the ballot for what she claims is misleading to voters and the public. The complaint states that Richard “Rick” Pannell Jr., the son of incumbent Fayette Magistrate Richard “Rick” Pannell, has intentionally omitted “Jr.” from his name on the ballot and campaign materials to make voters believe they are voting for his father.

Judge Blake gave Pannell until May 10 at 4 PM to have all signs corrected with the added Jr. part to reflect his real name. Pannell failed to update all political signs and therefore Judge Blake found him in contempt of court along with $100 fine and he must pay his opponent’s attorneys fees, which are $600.

Judge Blake cited that Pannell carelessly disregarded the court’s order.