Local News

5 admit to traveling for sex with minors

CHARLESTON –   United States Attorney Mike Stuart announced on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, that five different defendants appeared in federal court during the previous week to plead guilty to traveling in interstate commerce for the purpose of having sex with a minor.

“These are heinous crimes that prey on our most vulnerable,” said United States Attorney Mike Stuart.    “The five convictions obtained within just the last week demonstrate the high volume of these cases that we prosecute.   We are working tirelessly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to protect our children from predators.”

On August 5, 2019, Bruce Ward, 34, of Huntington, West Virginia, pled…

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PSC warns consumers about utility scams

CHARLESTON, WV – The Public Service Commission of West Virginia cautions utility customers to be alert to a new round of utility scams.   This warning comes as several predatory incidents have been reported throughout the state.    Recently, a caller told a customer that their electric service would be terminated unless the customer immediately sent a US Express Money Order.

“Scammers manipulate people by playing on their fears, and they don’t care who they hurt,” said PSC Chairman Charlotte R. Lane. “If a caller demands payment by an unusual method and threatens to disconnect your utility service, chances are that it is a scam.”

“Public utilities will send written notification if your…

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PSC anticipates lower gas utility bills

CHARLESTON – Following an initial review of the “Purchased Gas Adjustment” cases filed recently, the Public Service Commission of West Virginia is expecting slightly lower gas utility bills across the state for the upcoming heating season.

Natural gas utilities that serve over 91% of the natural gas customers in the state have filed requests with the Commission to lower the purchased gas portion of their rates.   Mountaineer Gas Company has asked for a decrease of 3.91% and Hope Gas/Dominion Energy has requested a decrease of 8.87%.

Five companies, serving 8.5% of residential natural gas customers, have requested an increase in their purchased gas prices due to under-recovery of…

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Attorney General Morrisey warns students of potential scholarship and financial aid scams

CHARLESTON —West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey reminds students and parents to be careful about sharing personal information when applying for student aid and scholarship opportunities.

Many high school seniors and college students rely on some form of financial aid to assist with the ever-increasing cost of tuition and other college-related financial obligations, making them a potential target for con artists.

“Many students seek scholarships to cover tuition and offset any student debt,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “When applying for scholarships, parents and students need to be mindful of who they are sending personal information to and be on the lookout for red…

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