News
WV Ethics Commission Agrees To Former Sheriff’s Settlement
By: WOUB Staff Writer
Posted on:
A former Wood County sheriff settles with the state’s ethics commission just months before running for election for his old job.
Ken Merritt will have to pay a fine, but admits no wrongdoing in a settlement with the West Virginia Ethics Commission.
The commission Thursday approved the agreement, involving the former sheriff’s actions in the case of his son.
Brian Merritt was accused of illegally using credit cards issued to the county.
The ethics commission found former sheriff Merritt had not reported the thefts to the county.
Under the agreement approved Thursday, Merritt is to pay a $3,500 fine to the commission, plus cover the cost of the panel’s investigation-and receives a public reprimand.
But the agreement Merritt signed does not include any criminal charges, nor does it make mention of Merritt’s candidacy for the office.
Merritt is the Republican candidate for sheriff in the fall election.