Former Putnam County Commissioner Steve Deweese is shown on Dec. 16, 2024, in Kanawha County Circuit Court where he pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge of fraudulent schemes.
Former Putnam County Commissioner Steve Deweese, 58, pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor for misuse of funds while he was Putnam County sheriff.
Former Putnam County Commissioner Steve Deweese is shown on Dec. 16, 2024, in Kanawha County Circuit Court where he pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge of fraudulent schemes.
ASHLEY PERHAM | Gazette-Mail
Deweese pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor offense of fraudulent schemes before Kanawha County Circuit Judge Ken Ballard, who said he was assigned to the case after Putnam County judges recused themselves.
Specially assigned prosecutor Steve Maddox from Wayne County told Ballard that between 2017 and 2019, Deweese had accepted $4,000 worth of advertisement money for an annual fundraising calendar for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department and Putnam County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.
Deweese cashed the checks and kept the proceeds, Maddox said.
As part of the plea agreement, Deweese has agreed to not run for public office and pay $4,000 of restitution back to the sheriff’s office. He resigned from his position as Putnam County Commissioner effective Nov. 30.
Deweese faces a maximum sentence of up to a year in jail and/or a fine of $2,500. His sentencing was set for Feb. 12.
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