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Laura Young, a new special
prosecutor from Kanawha County, will be handing a case against former Calhoun
Magistrate Steve Johnson, according to the Kanawha County Prosecutor's office. The
Supreme Court case alleges problems with money in Johnson's office, in what they
described as a violation of public trust.
Young is replacing prosecutor Robert William Schulenberg III. It was unclear why
Schulenberg is no longer on the case.
The Johnson case is on the Circuit Court docket in Grantsville for 11:30 a.m. Monday before
Judge David W. Nibert, in what appears to be a plea bargain situation styled "plea on
information." Johnson is represented by attorney David Karickhoff.
The case began last October after allegations surfaced regarding financial improprieties.
Johnson then resigned and moved to South Carolina.
The case, which has been postponed several times, has not been brought before a Grand
Jury, and Johnson has not been indicted.
Court officials have indicated if a plea arrangement is not accepted, an indictment could be
forthcoming.
The Supreme Court had the West Virginia Auditor's office do a special audit which cost
$27,000. That audit reportedly indicates problems related to embezzlement or
misappropriation of an undetermined amount.
The Supreme Court's audit questioned several inappropriate management problems linked
to Johnson's office.
Calhoun Prosecutor Tony Morgan and Judge Tom Evans III have recused themselves from
the case.
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