CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has issued a ruling reinstating an indictment against two candidates charged with election-related offenses in Cabell County.
In State of West Virginia ex rel. State of West Virginia v. The Honorable James Young, the high court granted the State’s petition for a writ of prohibition, allowing the case to move forward.
The case stems from allegations that Jan Hite King and Kimberly Maynard falsely certified their residency in Cabell County’s Magisterial District 1 when filing as candidates for the Cabell County Commission in 2022.
A Cabell County grand jury indicted both women in April 2025 on charges of false swearing, aiding and abetting, and conspiracy.
However, a circuit court had previously dismissed the indictment, ruling it was filed too late under a one-year misdemeanor statute of limitations.
The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, representing both the state and the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, argued that a five-year statute of limitations under the state’s Election Code should apply instead. The Supreme Court agreed, effectively overturning the lower court’s dismissal.
“This decision affirms that those who seek to defraud West Virginia’s voters will be held accountable,” said JB McCuskey.
“I want to applaud the Secretary of State’s Office for their work in bringing these charges. I am also incredibly proud of the exceptional legal team in our office for their work ensuring that the Election Code means what it says.”
The Secretary of State’s Office conducted the initial investigation into King and Maynard. With the Supreme Court’s ruling, the charges against the two women will now be reinstated and the case will proceed.
