The Associated Press
ELIZABETH —
Witness intimidation charges against Wirt County Assessor Debbie Hennen have been dismissed because of a paperwork snafu.
Special Magistrate Emily Bradley determined Thursday that Roane County prosecutor Josh Downey hadn’t officially been appointed as special prosecutor.
The charges stem from an investigation of earlier charges that Hennen falsified a part-time employee’s time sheets. Hennen was convicted of the earlier charges in February.
Downey served as special prosecutor for the earlier case.
Hennen’s lawyers argued that the paperwork hadn’t been filed for Downey to prosecute the witness intimidation charges.
Downey says he expects the paperwork to be filed within a few days. The charges then will be refiled.
