RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Former Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Benjamin Hatfield is facing new legal troubles following a lawsuit filed on March 21, 2025, by former Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Thompson.
The lawsuit accuses Hatfield of fostering a hostile work environment, which allegedly included screaming, yelling, and acts of intimidation.
The suit further claims that Hatfield would “imprison” employees in the office by placing them in “timeout.”
Additionally, Thompson alleges gender-based discrimination and asserts that Hatfield made multiple inappropriate sexual comments in the workplace.
Thompson has not only named Hatfield in the lawsuit but has also listed all three members of the Raleigh County Commission—President Greg Duckworth and members Linda Epling and Daniel Hall—as defendants.
The lawsuit contends that the commission failed to take appropriate action to remove Hatfield from office despite being aware of misconduct allegations.
On March 27, the Raleigh County Commission issued a joint statement denying the allegations that they failed to act against Hatfield.
The commission emphasized that they took several measures in response to concerns about Hatfield’s conduct, including:
- Enacting a resolution to remove Hatfield from office due to official misconduct and neglect of duty.
- Placing Hatfield on administrative leave and prohibiting him from entering the prosecuting attorney’s office.
- Appointing Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Dominik Cangemi as acting prosecutor.
- Providing paid leave to all employees in the prosecuting attorney’s office.
- Establishing a confidential helpline for employees to report complaints.
- Cooperating with investigations by the West Virginia Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the West Virginia Legislative Commission of Special Investigations.
- Launching an independent investigation after concerns were raised by three Raleigh County Circuit Court judges in August 2024.
- Appointing veteran prosecutor Tom Truman as acting Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney following Hatfield’s resignation.
The commission maintains that all actions taken were “transparent, timely, and discussed in a public forum.”
Officials also stated they would vigorously defend against the lawsuit in court and, if necessary, appeal the case to the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.
Hatfield has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.
