CHARLESTON, W.Va.–Delegate Justin Marcum (D-Mingo, Logan) has introduced a bill (HB 2498) to the West Virginia House of Delegates that would make it a crime for any person sitting on a grand jury to disclose the identity of an individual who will be indicted.
Delegate Marcum believes this bill will increase officer and witness safety, preserve evidence, and increase judicial efficiency.
“This bill is vital to protect witnesses, victims, and officers. In Mingo County, during a drug roundup, a grand juror informed a criminal defendant who fled to Detroit. Another fled to Columbus and another to Kentucky. I am proud to sponsor this bill which will create so many positives while helping fight our substance abuse problem in the state,” said Marcum.
The bill would make the crime a misdemeanor. The penalties would include facing 30 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine if convicted.
Marcum is the lead sponsor on the bill while Delegates Tim Miley (D-Harrison), Kevin J. Craig (D-Cabell), Clif Moore (D-McDowell), David G. Perry (D-Fayette), Eric Nelson (R-Kanawha), Michael T. Ferro (D-Marshall), Ryan J. Ferns (D-Ohio), and Jeff Eldridge (D-Lincoln) are co-sponsors.
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