The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

June 12, 2008

Embattled Mount Hope cop acquitted of charges

Matthew Hill

An embattled Mount Hope police officer was acquitted Thursday of two counts of daytime burglary, thus eradicating what was once an eight-count indictment against him and ending a two-year saga.

In a nearly nine-hour bench trial where Fayette County Circuit Judge John Hatcher played the roles of both judge and jury, at the defendant’s request, Thomas C. Lowe, 42, of Fayetteville, was found not guilty on both counts.

Raleigh County assistant prosecutor Tom Truman, the special prosecutor in the case, said he put four witnesses on the stand, including Angela Smith, Lowe’s purported victim. Lowe’s lawyer, Beckley attorney John Wooton, called five to the witness stand, including Lowe himself.

Truman declined to comment on the verdict Thursday evening, while Wooton did not return telephone calls and could not be reached for comment. According to Truman, the trial commenced at 8:30 a.m. and wrapped up around 5:15 p.m.

Lowe’s case has consisted of a labyrinth of legal twists and turns since he was arrested in May 2006.

A four-hour bench trial in Hatcher’s courtroom last Oct. 3 resulted in Lowe’s acquittal on charges of extortion and attempt to commit a felony — bribery in an official capacity.

Lowe has remained on unpaid administrative leave by the city of Mount Hope, where he had served as a police officer since September 2001.

Four sex-related charges, all involving the same woman, were dismissed by Hatcher last July.

— E-mail: mhill@register-herald.com

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