West Virginia Water Agency Head to Retire After Ethics Probe

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — The head of a West Virginia water agency will retire after an ethics investigation.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports that a letter from Gov. Jim Justice’s office says West Virginia Water Development Authority Executive Director Chris Jarrett will step down and retire July 27.

Jarrett was ordered last month to pay $4,500 in fines and restitution after admitting he stored 12 pieces of personal furniture in a storage room at the agency’s building for three years.

Justice’s letter thanks Jarrett for his services and says Jarrett discussed his retirement date with Justice’s chief of staff, Nick Casey.

Jarrett’s lawyer said he spoke to him about the letter, but they had no additional comment.

Jarrett ordered a wiretapping search by police of the authority’s office last year amid allegations of secret recording