CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Justice isn’t blind in West Virginia, it’s apparently for sale. Lewis County Magistrate Roger D. Clem, Jr., 47, of Weston, and Gilmer County Magistrate Alton L. Skinner, II, 57, of Sand Fork, were hit with a federal grand jury indictment today, facing charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and obstruction of justice. U.S. Attorney Bill Powell didn’t mince words in announcing the charges, signaling a serious breach of public trust.
The indictment lays out a scheme centered around E-Z Out, LLC, a bonding company operating out of Sand Fork. Records show E-Z Out is a one-woman operation run by Alton Skinner’s spouse, with Skinner’s son acting as an authorized bonding agent. Clem is accused of rigging the system from the bench, allegedly favoring E-Z Out by setting unnecessary surety bonds – a blatant way to funnel business their way. The feds say Clem would even call Skinner directly to arrange bonds for detainees before informing them of other bonding options.
The alleged scam worked like this: Clem would steer detainees toward E-Z Out, while Skinner ensured his wife or son were conveniently present at arraignments, ready to post bond. This effectively cut out any competitive bidding and guaranteed business for the Skinner family. The scheme didn’t stay local either; the indictment details payments transmitted electronically outside of West Virginia, and mailings – contracts and checks – between Skinner’s spouse and Dave Bourne Bail Bonds, Inc. in Virginia, E-Z Out’s general agent.
But the alleged corruption didn’t stop at financial gain. Both Clem and Skinner are accused of actively trying to derail the grand jury investigation into their activities. Skinner took it a step further, allegedly lying to a special agent with the Internal Revenue Service Special Investigation Unit. The US Attorney’s office is also seeking a money judgment of $18,900, attempting to claw back ill-gotten gains.
If convicted, both men face a hefty price. Each count of conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud, and obstruction carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Skinner also faces an additional five years and a $250,000 fine for the false statement charge. However, the actual sentence will depend on the severity of the offenses and any prior criminal history. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod J. Douglas is leading the prosecution, with the investigation spearheaded by the IRS-Criminal Investigation and the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations.
It’s crucial to remember: an indictment is not a conviction. Both Clem and Skinner are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, this case shines a harsh light on potential corruption within the West Virginia justice system, raising serious questions about impartiality and the abuse of power. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and bring you updates as they develop.
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Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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