STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA
OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
PATRICK MORRISEY
Phone: 304-558-2021
Email: communications@wvago.gov

Press Release

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey Releases Opinion on Jefferson County Sheriff Vacancy

CHARLES TOWN – West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has issued a formal opinion letter regarding the recent vacancy for Sheriff of Jefferson County. The Attorney General’s opinion letter was provided in response to a request from Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Ralph Lorenzetti, Jr., and addresses questions relating to the appointment of a new sheriff and the timing of an election to fill the unexpired term.

“After a thorough review of this request, my office has determined that the County Commission must appoint someone to fill the vacancy in the office of Sheriff, and should do so as soon as practicable in order to comply with state law,” said Attorney General Morrisey. “Moreover, West Virginia Code indicates that the election to fill the remaining term of the Sheriff must be held at the time of the next general election in November 2014.”

This is the first formal opinion letter issued by Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who recently took office on January 14th. Morrisey is the first Attorney General in state history to hail from Jefferson County.