BECKLEY, W.Va. – A Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) violation filed against Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield was upheld in a hearing Monday in Family Court in Beckley.
The court agreed with the petitioner that Hatfield recently violated a previous DV Protective Order by getting too close, within 35 feet, at a soccer game and behaved in what could be perceived as actions to intimidate or threaten petitioner.
Hatfield, who is also under investigation related to allegations of sexual misconduct, emotional distress, sexual harassment and civil rights violations in his workplace, is now barred from any type of communication, verbal abuse, harassment, stalking or intimidation of the petitioner.
This protective order is in effect until March 31, 2025. Hatfield must also surrender any firearms he possesses.
According to court documents, the parties engaged in a sexual relationship prior to July 26, 2024, but on Aug. 13 a temporary DVPO was granted to the petitioner.
On Aug. 21 the Family Court in a hearing entered an order denying the DVPO request from the petitioner. However, the petitioner appealed the denial and on Sept. 17 the Circuit Court reinstated the DVPO, a fact, the court said, Hatfield was aware of.
The incident that sparked the second DVPO petition happened on Sept. 17 at a kids soccer game.
The Beckley Police Department was called at that time but, according to the report filed by the investigating officer, no violation of the DVPO order was found.
After that incident, though, the petitioner immediately sought the new DVPO in magistrate court alleging abuse or danger, and a temporary DVPO based on evidence was granted until Monday’s hearing.
In late August, Hatfield took voluntary administrative leave from his job as prosecutor, but returned to work on Sept. 19, saying he wanted to allow time for the investigation to take place without his presence “hindering their ability to carry out their duties.”
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