CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner announced today that Jane Hite King and Kimberly Maynard of Cabell County have been indicted by a grand jury for criminal violations related to the 2022 Primary Election.
Both women face three charges each: one count of false swearing, one count of aiding and abetting false swearing, and one count of conspiracy to commit false swearing.
According to a five-count indictment issued by the Cabell County grand jury, King and Maynard are accused of knowingly submitting false information on their Certificates of Announcement during their 2022 candidacy filings.
The indictment alleges that on or about February 3, 2024, both women falsely claimed to reside in magisterial districts in which they did not live while filing to run for the Cabell County Commission.
The case was investigated by the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office (WVSOS), with Kim Mason, Director of the WVSOS Investigations Division, overseeing the process.
Robert Hanson, an investigator with the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, served as the lead investigator.
After completing the investigation, the WVSOS referred the case to the Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney for review.
Special Prosecuting Attorney Seth S. Gaskins presented the findings to the grand jury on April 4, 2025, resulting in the indictments.
Under W.Va. Code §3-5-7(d), candidates must provide their residential address when filing. Knowingly providing false information is considered false swearing.
Each charge under W.Va. Code §3-9-3(b) carries a potential penalty of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000.
Secretary Warner emphasized that the charges are allegations and that both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
“Candidates are expected to provide accurate information on their Certificate of Announcement to ensure they are eligible to run for the office they are seeking,” said Secretary Warner.
“Our Office will investigate and, where appropriate, refer for prosecution any allegation that a candidate provides false information on the certificate.”
“I want to recognize the due diligence and dedication of Kim Mason and Robert Hanson in thoroughly investigating these allegations,” Warner added. “I also want to thank Prosecutor Seth Gaskins for presenting the evidence to the grand jury.”
“To protect the integrity of our elections in West Virginia, it is important that our elections are transparent, fair, and free from criminal intent. This indictment, hopefully, sends the message that this alleged conduct will not be tolerated.”
