West Virginia Town Left Without Police After Entire Force Is Fired Amid Corruption Claims

A small town in West Virginia has been left without a police force after the mayor and local council dismissed all officers just days following the resignation of the police chief. The decision sparked outrage among residents who demanded explanations and criticized the authorities for a lack of transparency. Former police chief Zachary Priborn wrote in a letter before resigning that a council member attempted to directly control police operations, violating state laws. He said he was told to obey all directives without question, which led to his departure.

The controversy intensified when the sergeant in charge revealed that the police evidence room had been accessed without officers present, and a council member admitted to taking keys to the station. Shortly after raising these concerns, both the sergeant and the only other officer at the station were dismissed. The sergeant intends to seek whistleblower protection. Local authorities have yet to clarify the reasons behind firing the entire police department. Meanwhile, the county sheriff's office announced it will continue providing law enforcement services to the town's approximately 1,200 residents.