Chief magistrate judge in Harrison resigns

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (AP) - A West Virginia magistrate judge who served for nearly 25 years has resigned, an official said.

Harrison Chief Magistrate Tammy Marple won’t finish her term, which ends on Dec. 31, the Exponent Telegram reported citing the office of Chief Judge Thomas A. Bedell.

Bedell’s office released no further information Tuesday about the resignation and Marple didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.

Marple was re-elected in 2016 and had filed to run again for another term. Former Harrison Sheriff’s Deputy Michael “Mike” Weiss is also running for the seat.

It’s unclear how the resignation will impact the May election. Harrison County Clerk Susan Thomas said she was looking into the matter.

Marple’s resignation leaves four magistrates to handle the heavy caseload in the district.