Documents released outlining removing Raleigh County Prosecuting Ben Hatfield from office

RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – After a special meeting by the Raleigh County Commission , formal proceedings have begun to remove Ben Hatfield as Prosecuting Attorney officially.

The Raleigh County Commission filed documents following an executive session regarding misconduct complaints against a county official, Hatfield. The circuit clerk’s office has released the full documents. This follows a previous announcement that a special investigation was launched in response to the allegations.

The announcement on Thursday cited “misconduct and neglect of duty” as key issues under investigation, leading to the decision to move forward with the resolution. Raleigh County Commission President Greg Duckworth referenced Section §6-6-7 of the West Virginia Code, which allows for the removal of individuals holding county, school district, or municipal office due to official misconduct, neglect of duty, or incompetence. This includes board of education members and magistrates.

Duckworth confirmed that the petition for the resolution would be filed later on Thursday and would be accessible through the Raleigh County Circuit Clerk’s Office or via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Further updates on the situation are expected as the process moves forward.