Mayor removal petition goes to trial in April

A petition seeking the removal of Pound Mayor Stacey Carson will go to trial April 9 in Wise County circuit court.

That’s according to Clintwood attorney Josh Evans, who is defending Carson.

In a Feb. 4 email, Evans indicated that prior to the trail, he may have more to say publicly regarding the defense strategy.

On Dec. 7, 44 people filed the petition. It accused Carson of several derogatory actions and statements that petitioners claim “clearly establish that she is neglecting her duties, misusing her office, and behaving in a manner that evinces her incompetence in the performance of her duties.”

The petition asked the court to immediately suspend Carson, name an “interim replacement” and proceed with prosecution of the matter.

County Commonwealth Attorney Chuck Slemp asked the court to name a special prosecutor because his office prosecutes cases brought by Pound police, along with other potential conflicts of interest.

On Dec. 8, Judge Jeff Hamilton appointed Scott County prosecutor Dan Fellhauer to handle the matter.

Carson, who took office last July, has feuded frequently with town Clerk/Treasurer Jessica Adams, town attorney Tim McAfee and a voting bloc of council members Glenn Cantrell, Phil Cantrell Jr. and Danny Stanley.

Among those who signed the petition were those three councilmen, former council member James Pelfrey and former mayor George Dean and his wife Sherron Dean.