Raleigh County Commission to hire new Assistant Prosecutor for Natalie Cochran case

BECKLEY, WV ( WVNS ) — The Raleigh County Commission has called a special meeting to vote on the hiring of a new Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.

It was confirmed to 59News that the Raleigh County Commission would be meeting on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, to vote on hiring Tom Truman as a new Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.

The hiring is aimed the continued judication involving Natalie Cochran.

We called a special meeting to vote on the hiring of Tom Truman. He’s been tasked with satisfying the judication of the Natalie Cochran case. He will be prosecuting that case as we move forward. Tom Truman has worked in that office, in and out, for over 30 years. He has more experience than anyone I know, and he brings experience that is unparalleled.

Greg Duckworth | President, Raleigh County Commission

The hiring also comes after Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield was placed on administrative leave by the Raleigh County Commission in August . It was also noted to 59News that Ben Hatfield has not resigned from his position as Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney by any means.

Hatfield has not resigned. We really don’t expect to hear much until some of these investigations are done. That hasn’t changed since the first day.

Greg Duckworth | President, Raleigh County Commission

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