| By Bob Weaver
Rumors of alleged wrongdoing are rampant about some of Calhoun's law enforcement officers during the past several days, with no confirmation.
More than one law enforcement officer is under investigation, according to Prosecuting Attorney Matt Minney, not being specific about how many are involved.
Minney said yesterday "There is an ongoing investigation regarding other law enforcement officers," in addition to former Grantsville Police Chief Ron Gordon.
"It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the nature of the investigations," he said.
Gordon appears to be at the center of a criminal investigation, with West Virginia State Police from Charleston already spending several days in the county looking at the alleged problems.
The State Police are reportedly investigating other law enforcement officers in the county, some of which is supposed to be connected to the disposition of firearms.
The agency has not confirmed they are participating in such an investigation.
Gordon's attorney, Dennis Curry of Spencer, said Gordon is unaware of the nature of an investigation lodged against him.
"Gordon has not been advised of any problems related to his performance, let alone allegations which are being made against him," said Curry, which is an apparent violation of the WV Code.
"The rumors, innuendo and allegations leveled against Mr. Gordon have certainly sullied his reputation," said Curry, who was highly critical of the way the issue has been handled.
Curry and Charleston attorney Mark French are representing Gordon, who was initially suspended and later removed from his position by Grantsville Mayor Wilbert Kerby.
Kerby said Gordon was dismissed because he failed to appear at a meeting with the mayor, although attorney Curry said he advised the mayor that Gordon would not appear, apparently because of legal concerns.
Kerby has declined to comment on issues related to Gordon.
Plain-clothes investigators have been in the county for several weeks investigating Gordon and reportedly interviewing dozens of individuals with which he had contact as police chief, or with individuals who were on home confinement or were assigned to community service.
Gordon was suspended by Sheriff Carl Ballengee from his part-time duties as the county's home confinement officer. Ballengee has declined to comment on the issue.
Meanwhile, Gordon has been the brunt of dozens of allegations by convicted felon John Manis Richards, who is operating an Internet blog and publishing a newsletter called "The Lone Methranger."
Richards is currently in court regarding charges that he was attempting to operate a clandestine meth lab in Grantsville, a case which was brought against him by Gordon and the State Police.
He is also in court related to receiving stolen property.
Richards has gone on the attack against Gordon and prosecutor Matt Minney, accusing them of wrongdoing, claiming he is a "ranger" saving the youth of Calhoun and Gilmer County from the ill-effects of meth.
He has also produced and issued videos showing meth ingredients and how he has "botched batches" of the illegal drug to make the community safer.
Richards circulated his own surveillance tapes allegedly showing meth lab sites and individuals making drug sales in Calhoun and Gilmer counties.
The Calhoun native has a long sheet of charges, indictments and convictions related to stolen merchandise and sexual offenses in a multi-county area and Ohio.
Richards has continued reporting "facts" about Gordon on his web site, indicating his guilt, some of which has fueled weeks of rumors in the community.
| 
