UPDATE: 2/14/2012

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (AP) - The Mason County Commission is asking the court to remove Sheriff David Anthony from office.

Media outlets report that a lawyer representing the commission filed a petition Monday in Mason County Circuit Court seeking Anthony's removal. The petition cites Anthony's recent indictment on 42 counts, including wanton endangerment, embezzlement and other
charges.

The 42-year-old sheriff denies the charges. He filed candidacy papers in January to seek a second term.

A three-judge panel will be appointed by the state Supreme Court to hear the commission's removal petition.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

UPDATE: 1/27/2012

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (AP) - A West Virginia sheriff indicted this month on 42 felony counts including wanton endangerment and embezzlement is seeking re-election.

The State Journal says a clerk confirmed Friday that Mason County Sheriff David Anthony has filed candidacy papers to seek a second term.

County commissioners began the process of trying to remove Anthony from office after he was indicted.

Some of the charges are related to an incident last fall when he allegedly fired a gun over the head of his 13-year-old son.

The charges include wanton endangerment, child neglect creating risk of injury, domestic assault and shooting near a dwelling.

Anthony also faces charges of fraud, embezzlement and unauthorized use of a government purchasing card.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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UPDATE: 01/11/2012

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (AP) - Mason County Sheriff David Anthony is scheduled to stand trial in April on 42 counts that include embezzlement, domestic assault and child neglect creating risk of injury.

Media outlets report that the 42-year-old Point Pleasant resident pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday in Mason County Circuit Court.

Circuit Court Judge David Nibert scheduled Anthony's trial to begin April 10.

A Mason County grand jury indicted Anthony last week.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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UPDATE: 01/05/2012

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (AP) - A West Virginia sheriff already facing a wanton endangerment charge has been indicted on 42 counts.

According to media reports, Mason County Sheriff David Anthony is also charged with child neglect creating risk of injury, domestic assault, shooting near a dwelling, fraudulent scheme, embezzlement and unauthorized use of a government purchasing card. A county grand jury returned the indictment Wednesday.

Anthony was arrested last month for allegedly firing a handgun in the direction of his 13-year-old son. The 42-year-old sheriff was placed on paid administrative leave while he attends a court-ordered 90-day rehabilitation program.

Mason County commissioners have said they would seek to remove Anthony from office because of concerns about how he has spent public money.

Anthony's attorney, Michael Shaw, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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UPDATE: 11/16/2011

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Mason County commissioners aren't sure if they have the power to remove a sheriff who was recently arrested.

Commission President Miles Epling tells The Charleston Gazette that because Sheriff David Anthony is an elected official, the commission can't just pull him out of office.

Anthony was charged last week with felony wanton endangerment. State Police say the charges stem from the firing of a small-caliber handgun Nov. 5.

A criminal complaint says Anthony had demanded that his 13-year-old son leave their Point Pleasant home, pointed the gun in the direction of an outdoor staircase and fired one shot. The boy was walking down the stairs at the time.

Epling said he expects the commission to discuss the matter at a meeting Thursday.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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UPDATE: 11/15/2011

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (AP) - A Roane County magistrate will preside over a preliminary hearing for a Mason County sheriff accused of firing a weapon over a child's head during an argument.

The Point Pleasant Register reports Mason County Circuit Judge David Nibert appointed Roane County Magistrate Russell W. Goodwin after two Mason County magistrates asked to be recused from the case.

Sheriff David Anthony was charged last week with felony wanton endangerment. State Police say the charges stem from the firing of a small-caliber handgun Nov. 5.

According to the Charleston Daily Mail, a criminal complaint says Anthony had demanded that his 13-year-old son leave the home, pointed a gun in the direction of an outdoor staircase and fired one shot. The boy was walking down the stairs at the time.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Updated: 11/11/2011

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (AP) - Mason County Sheriff David Anthony has been charged with wanton endangerment after allegedly firing a weapon over a child's head last weekend.

Media outlets report that West Virginia State Police arrested the 42-year-old Anthony Thursday night along U.S. 35 in Putnam County. He was being held Friday at the Western Regional Jail.

State Police Sgt. Edward Starcher says the charges stem from the firing of a small-caliber handgun Nov. 5.

Starcher says two deputy sheriffs witnessed the incident and told investigators that Anthony had been drinking when he fired the gun over the head of a 13-year-old relative.

County Commissioner Bob Baird says Anthony is in his third year as sheriff. He was a deputy sheriff before his election in 2008.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. (AP) - Mason County Sheriff David Anthony has been arrested.

Media outlets report that West Virginia State Police arrested the 42-year-old Anthony Thursday night and charged him with wanton endangerment.

He was being held at the Western Regional Jail, but few other details were available Friday morning.

Neither the Mason County sheriff's department nor State Police officials has any comment yet.

County Commissioner Bob Baird heard news of the arrest on TV Friday morning and says he was shocked. He says he has no idea what happened.

Anthony is in his third year as sheriff. He was a deputy sheriff before his election in 2008.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)