W. Virginia Supreme Court justice suspended

CHARLESTON, W.VA. >> West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry was suspended from the bench Friday over allegations that he repeatedly lied and used his public office for personal gain.

In an order from the high court, Loughry was suspended without pay and barred from hearing any civil or criminal matters during a judicial disciplinary process.

The move prompted West Virginia House Speaker Tim Armstead to call for Loughry’s resignation, saying the allegations have “cast a pall” over the court. Later Friday, Gov. Jim Justice issued a statement saying, “If the charges are accurate, I would urge Justice Loughry to resign and spare the court and state any further embarrassment.”

This week, the state Judicial Investigation Commission filed a 32-count complaint with the court that alleges Loughry “made false statements with the deliberate attempt to deceive” concerning his involvement in the renovation of his office. He also failed to tell other justices about a federal subpoena, had furniture moved from his Capitol office to his home and improperly used state vehicles for personal use.

A message left in Loughry’s Supreme Court office Friday afternoon was not returned. Loughry has repeatedly denied involvement in the office renovations. One such denial came during an appearance before the House Committee on Finance in January.

The current Supreme Court justices recused themselves from participating in issuing the order. Loughry was removed as chief justice in February after the justices learned that he had kept secret a federal subpoena that was served on the Supreme Court.