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Former Grantsville detachment commander Sgt. John Bonazzo, was among five
officers receiving suspensions, according to information released by the West
Virginia State Police. Sgt. Bonazzo, now in charge of Braxton County, was suspended
for five days in April, reportedly linked to his issuing of an 11-person "target list" of
Braxton citizens, stating they were not to be given any breaks. The agency will
generally not confirm the nature of suspensions.
The information was released by the agency regarding the status of the 589 member
organization.
Sgt. Bonazzo's "target list" has generated considerable controversy, but Braxton
County Prosecutor Brian Lanham said it was not illegal, a statement disputed by
several legal experts.
Lawsuits are being filed against Sgt. Bonazzo and the State Police over the incident,
during which period Trooper M. A. Staley was apparently dismissed. The agency
denied a Hur Herald FOIA request regarding whether or not he was still a trooper.
They said "This request is denied," but a receptionist with the agency said "He is no
longer with us."
The West Virginia State Police have promoted Roane County Sgt. Dale Fluharty from
Sergeant to 1st Sergeant. Fluharty will be a district commander, stationed in Jackson
County.
Spencer's new detachment commander is 1st Sergeant Mark Cruikshank, who was
just promoted from Trooper 1st Class. He is being transferred to Spencer from BCI in
Charleston. Cruikshank will be the supervisor over the Grantsville detachment.
Calhoun Trooper Doug Starcher is reportedly on special assignment, pending the
outcome of a criminal investigation, alleging he committed perjury in a Calhoun
court.
Captain B. Gore who is in charge of Professional Standards has been promoted to
Major.
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