Candidate arrested on drug charges

HUNTINGTON — Court documents state the top vote-getter for Cabell County magistrate brokered a $20 crack cocaine deal, admitted to five similar transactions and tried to bribe a Huntington police officer.

The arrest ended with Amy Walker Daugherty being arraigned in the very court where she hopes to preside. She was released on a $40,000 bond.

Criminal complaints charge Daugherty with brokering the $20 crack cocaine purchase Tuesday night. The documents state she requested the drug, established the amount and named a location via telephone.

Daugherty then arrived at the set location, the Rite Aid parking lot on Hal Greer Boulevard. An undercover state trooper delivered 0.4 grams of crack cocaine to Daugherty in exchange for $20.

The candidate-turned-defendant was arrested at 8:23 p.m. The criminal complaint further states she was advised of her rights, including that to remain silent, but she continued to talk.

Daugherty told police she was purchasing the crack cocaine with the intention of delivering it to someone else, the complaints states.

“The accused advised that she has purchased and delivered crack cocaine five times during the past six months,” the complaints state.

The formal accusations state she proceeded to offer Huntington Police Sgt. Darrell Booth money, “if he would release her from custody at that time and location.”

Daugherty was charged with felony bribery and six counts of possessing with an intent to deliver crack cocaine. The  complaints state five of the six incidents were actual deliveries, but no specifics were provided regarding the past transactions.

Booth said Tuesday night the arrest was the result of an ongoing investigation. The Huntington Police Department’s Drug and Vice Unit participated in the case, along with West Virginia State Police and the Huntington Violent Crime Drug Task Force.

Investigators questioned Daugherty for nearly two hours at the Huntington Police Department. Then they transported her to the Cabell County Courthouse, just after 11 p.m.

Daugherty spoke little during the arraignment. It was conducted by one of her opponents, incumbent Magistrate Mike  Woelfel.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Nov. 10, which is six days after the election.

Each possession count carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison if convicted. The bribery charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Daugherty received the most votes in an 18-candidate race in the Democratic primary, and received an endorsement from the Fraternal Order of Police Gold Star Lodge 65, the union for the Huntington Police Department.

She was born and raised in Huntington, and graduated from Huntington High and Marshall University.

Before the May primary election, Daugherty told The Herald-Dispatch she believed common sense was the most valuable asset for a candidate to possess, and said she would learn enough about the law as she heard each case.

During the primary, Daugherty led the way in the 18-candidate race all evening. She captured 7,041 votes, or 9.43 percent of the vote. She promised to bring integrity as well as common sense to the office if elected in November.

“Am I happy? I don’t know if that is the word,” she said the night of the May primary. “I’m shocked. I’m numb. We need new blood down there and we know that. Everybody knows that. I’m ready to build up the faith and confidence back into the magistrate system.”

Herald-Dispatch reporters Christian Alexanderson and Curtis Johnson, along with editor Ben Fields contributed to this report.

The Herald-Dispatch

Amy Walker Daugherty, candidate for Cabell County magistrate, is escorted into the Cabell County Courthouse after being arrested for charges of crack possession and bribery on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008, in Huntington.

The Herald-Dispatch

Amy Walker Daugherty, candidate for Cabell County magistrate