MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Anthony Heltzel, a lifelong West Virginia resident and experienced prosecutor, has officially announced his candidacy for Prosecuting Attorney in Mercer County, West Virginia.
Heltzel brings a decade of prosecutorial and municipal legal experience to the race. He began practicing law in 2015, founding his own law office in Beckley, West Virginia. In 2017, he joined the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office as an Assistant Prosecutor, where he oversaw thousands of criminal cases through December 2021. During that time, he managed both felony and misdemeanor cases from inception through final disposition, dealing with every type of criminal case prosecuted in the county.
For eight of the last nine years, Heltzel has served as a prosecutor either through the State of West Virginia in Mercer County or for Bluefield, West Virginia. He also served two and a half years as City Attorney for Bluefield before returning to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
In addition to his prosecutorial work, Heltzel has extensive experience in civil and municipal law. He currently serves as City Clerk, Assistant City Attorney, Human Resources Director, for the City of Bluefield, and the attorney for the Bluefield Economic
Development Authority. His background includes representing local governments, advising on employment law matters, and guiding public officials on legal compliance experience that uniquely positions him to lead the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office with a comprehensive understanding of both criminal and civil legal issues affecting the county.
A native of Mercer County, Heltzel spent his early childhood in Bluefield before his family relocated to Raleigh County. He is a graduate of Shady Spring High School. Heltzel earned a
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Biology from Concord University and went on to receive his law degree from the Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of
Law in Knoxville, Tennessee. After returning to Beckley, Heltzel met his wife Courtney in 2016, and the two of them moved to Mercer County in 2017 where they have been happily married ever since.
Throughout his career, Heltzel has earned a reputation among local attorneys as a fair and just prosecutor, someone who approaches each case with integrity and professionalism.“I always strive to be both fair and firm,” Heltzel said. “It is important to maintain integrity in the practice of law by being open and honest with officers, victims, and the defense, all while maintaining an unwavering pursuit of justice for victims. That is our role as prosecutors. To bring justice to a wrong that was committed and doing it the correct way.”
Heltzel emphasized that his years of service to local and county government have prepared him to take on the responsibilities of Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney from day one.
“I’m really looking forward to this opportunity,” Heltzel said. “I have worked in criminal law for almost ten years, and I have seen how important it is to keep our society running fairly.
When people break the rules we all agree to live by, there need to be real consequences. If there are not, the system does not work and trust breaks down.”
With a decade of dedicated service to the Mercer County community, Anthony Heltzel has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, accountability, and the rule of law.
His broad experience in criminal prosecution, municipal representation, and public service underscores his qualifications to serve as Mercer County’s next Prosecuting Attorney
