Former West Virginia State Police Superintendent Files Lawsuit Over Alleged Retaliation Amid Scandal
CHARLESTON — Jan Cahill, the former superintendent of the West Virginia State Police (WVSP), has filed a lawsuit against the state and the Department of Homeland Security, alleging he was forced to resign due to retaliation for raising concerns over COVID-19 expenditures and law enforcement oversight.
The lawsuit, filed on April 7 in Kanawha County Circuit Court, claims Cahill was pressured to step down in March 2023 following a meeting at the home of former Governor Jim Justice, who appointed him in 2017. His resignation has drawn attention amidst ongoing investigations into allegations of misconduct within the WVSP, including financial improprieties and personal misconduct.
Cahill’s attorney, Stephen New, asserts that Cahill’s objections to a proposal by Justice’s former chief of staff, Brian Abraham, to expand the powers of the West Virginia Fusion Center led to his ousting. Cahill contended that such changes would undermine the oversight of the state police and oppose a merger of law enforcement resources without proper review.
Further complicating the matter, the lawsuit highlights concerns over the inappropriate attribution of WVSP payroll to the federal CARES Act. Cahill opposed submitting full payroll expenses, which would have diverted COVID-related funds into the state’s general revenue, under the direction of Abraham. This disagreement allegedly fueled tensions leading up to Cahill’s forced exit.
The backdrop of this legal action is linked to a 2022 anonymous letter detailing serious allegations against the WVSP, including misuse of state resources and extramarital affairs. Additionally, a class action lawsuit has emerged regarding incidents at the WVSP Academy, including the discovery of unauthorized surveillance.
As these controversies unfold, the repercussions for West Virginia’s law enforcement leadership continue to emerge, raising questions about accountability and transparency within the agency.
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