Attorney says Wirt assessor back at work
By JODY MURPHYPARKERSBURG-Wirt County Assessor Debbie Hennen returned to work Tuesday afternoon and plans to continue to do so, according to a local attorney.
The 52-year-old assessor was arrested Monday, charged with intimidation of a witness. Hennen is accused of threatening the county's deputy assessors, Terri Valentine and Rosemary Donaldson. According to the criminal complaint, the alleged threats are over an on-going investigation.
Hennen released a statement to The Parkersburg News and Sentinel through the law firm of Rusen and Auvil Wednesday morning.
"I have pled not guilty to these charges," she stated in the faxed release. "I look forward to defending myself against these charges in court and to continuing to serve the people of Wirt County to the best of my ability."
Hennen appeared in Wirt County Magistrate Court Monday when she was released on $1,000 personal recognizance bond by Magistrate David Roberts.
Hennen said she has been advised by counsel to have no further comment until the charges are resolved.
Attorney Walt Auvil said Michelle Rusen will be representing Hennen in the criminal proceedings. Auvil said they have demanded a speedy trial, but no date has been set.
Hennen was back at work Tuesday afternoon and Auvil said she plans to remain on the job.
In the criminal complaint, Donaldson alleges due to the investigation, she was subject to pressure and harassment from Hennen. The complaint also alleges Hennen pressured Donaldson about Valentine's involvement in the investigation.
According to the complaint, Valentine alleges she was yelled at by Hennen. The complaint alleges Hennen made the comment to Valentine that she was an at-will employee and led Valentine to believe she was going to be fired.
The complaint alleges Hennen accused Valentine of being the person "who caused the criminal investigation to be initiated."
No one has been charged from the investigation and officials have refused to state the nature of the investigation.
West Virginia State Police referred questions to Roane County Prosecuting Attorney Josh Downey, who is handling the Hennen case and the investigation. Downey has declined to comment.
Attempts to reach Valentine and Donaldson were unsuccessful. The courthouse was closed Wednesday for Veterans Day.
"It is a bad situation for the county, for the courthouse and for everybody," Wirt County Commission President Charles Murray said. "But it has to be business as usual until everything gets worked out."
Murray said he thought the investigation had ended.
"I have not heard any more about the on-going investigation since this," Murray said.
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MrsJames
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11-13-09 7:34 AM
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She is not nice. How do the voters recall her? I don't think anyone can fire her, right?
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JCB1964
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11-12-09 7:59 PM
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DIRT COUNTY.............
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Bowermj
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11-12-09 7:59 PM
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Ms. Hennen : loud, annoying, threatening...? Have you met her before? OF COURSE SHE IS! Heck, I think Elizabeth is a silly town for electing her!
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fisherman
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11-12-09 7:14 PM
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cotamamija That’s a ridiculous statement. There is an investigation on going that is separate from these charges filed. So if something else should arise from this why would one not want to step up? I don’t know how long either has been at it but if they do have the experience and Hennen is removed they should run.
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maintenancetech
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11-12-09 12:37 PM
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Maybe the state should change it's "at will" law. Every employer is protected under that law, but the employee has no rights at all unless you are in a union.
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cotamamija
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11-12-09 11:30 AM
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Maybe these employees are trying to get a promotion, If they can get the Assessor fired are they wanting to get the job. Time will answer if one of them end up running for office.
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DCGibson
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11-12-09 9:58 AM
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I'm confused even by the lawyers , So Mr. Auvil when you are representing some one is Ms.Rusen your spokesperson ?
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gorilla
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11-12-09 9:27 AM
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The county commission should do their job and manage the employees of the county. This issue should not be in the overloaded court system.
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Kristine
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11-12-09 6:41 AM
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She needs fired. Noone needs this circus in a public office!
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