MARSHALL COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – Republican West Virginia State Senator Mike Maroney was arrested Tuesday and relieved of his Senate committee duties.
Marshall County Prosecutor Joe Canestraro told Nexstars WTRF that Senator Maroney is accused of having “committed an overt act of sexual gratification” at a gambling hall in Glen Dale sometime between 12:00 and 12:30 on Sunday
The Marshall County senator was charged with public nuisance and disorderly conduct, WTRF reported. Disorderly conduct carries a 24-hour jail sentence and a $100 fine, while public nuisance carries a sentence of up to one year in jail and a $500 fine.
Prosecutor Canestrano told WTRF he was arraigned and released on $3,000 bail.
Senate President Craig Blair (R-Berkeley) released a statement Wednesday morning announcing that he had been removed from his position as chairman of the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee.
“Above all, I am deeply concerned for our friend and colleague, Senator Mike Maroney,” Senator Blair said in a statement. “The facts that have come to light are disturbing and I am disappointed. But our primary focus at this time is Senator Maroney’s well-being.”
Senator Maroney was one of the few incumbent Republicans to lose in the May 2024 primary election. He lost to Chris Rose, and according to the State Department website, no Democrat filed for the seat.
