Citizens of Raleigh County West Virginia are calling to action all members of the community. There are urgent concerns regarding Ben Hatfield, the Raleigh County Chief Prosecuting Attorney, and the troubling implications for our citizens and legal system.

Mr. Hatfield is currently under an active criminal investigation by the FBI, the Licensing Board, the county commission and is facing serious allegations of misconduct, including sexual violence, discrimination, and creating a hostile work environment. Compounding these issues is an active Domestic Violence Protective Order against him, which he has allegedly violated with law enforecment's knowledge.

His volatility is evident in his actions, as he has shown a blatant disregard for established procedures designed to ensure a safe and secure workplace and due process. This alarming behavior extends to his role as the leading law enforcement officer of the county, where his inability to perform effectively jeopardizes not only the integrity of his office but also the safety of our community.

The environment he has fostered has left many staff members fearful of returning to work, undermining their ability to serve the public effectively. Furthermore, his actions have ignored citizen concerns and the rights of victims, raising serious questions about accountability. The lack of consequences for such behavior sends a dangerous message, not just to the alleged offender, but to the general public, who must contend with a “loose cannon” in a position of power.

In a disturbing display of retaliation, Mr. Hatfield has fired one of his assistant prosecutors, further destabilizing an already tense workplace. These allegations jeopardize all cases he has handled, including those involving the prosecution of child predators, rapists, murderers, etc.

Additionally, we should all be alarmed by the inappropriate involvement of Delegate Steel, who is representing Mr. Hatfield in his DVP case while simultaneously serving on the judicial committee in the state Congress. This dual role raises serious questions about potential conflicts of interest and corruption within our legal and political systems.

It is vital that we, as a community, demand transparency and accountability. We urge residents to stay informed and engage in discussions about these critical issues. We must advocate for his immediate removal to protect the integrity of our legal system and ensure justice for all. 

We call for the following:

• Transparency and Accountability: We demand a thorough investigation into the allegations against Mr. Hatfield, including misconduct, sexual violence, discrimination, and the violation of an active Domestic Violence Protective Order. However, not just an investigation, we call for his removal from office immediately!
• Safe Work Environment: We urge the immediate implementation of measures to ensure a safe and secure workplace for all of the staff at the PA's Office, allowing them to serve the public without fear of retaliation or intimidation.
• Protection of Victim Rights: We insist that the rights of victims and the concerns of citizens be prioritized and respected in all legal proceedings and from local news outlets.
• Commitment to Core Values: We reaffirm that integrity, accountability, transparency, and honor are non-negotiable principles that must guide our legal system. No one is above the law, and all officials must be held to the highest standards.