CLARKSBURG — A familiar face soon could be back in charge of the U.S. Marshals Service in the Northern District of West Virginia.
Former Northern West Virginia U.S. Marshal J.C. Raffety has been nominated to serve in the post again by President Donald Trump.
Raffety was recommended by U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.
“There is no one more qualified to serve as U.S. Marshal in West Virginia’s Northern District than J.C,” Capito said. “Having already held the position for eight years, he has a unique perspective and firsthand experience that I know will help him continue to serve the people of West Virginia. I am excited the president decided to nominate J.C., and I look forward to supporting his confirmation.”
“I am both humbled and honored to have been nominated by the president to serve as U.S. marshal for the Northern District of West Virginia,” Raffety said. “I have been blessed to have served a career in the profession of law enforcement, and the ability to continue that service as United States marshal is a further blessing.
“I would be remiss if I did not further recognize the support of West Virginia U.S. Sen. Shelly Moore Capito in securing this nomination. If confirmed, I promise to serve with integrity and dedication to the Constitution,” he said. “It is a distinct honor for the opportunity to again serve with the men and women of the United States Marshals Service for the Northern District of West Virginia.”
Dewayne Haddix, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives resident agent in charge for the Clarksburg Field Office, was pleased with the announcement.
“Raffety’s stellar reputation and experience are notably remarkable,” Haddix said. “We look forward to continuing our outstanding partnership with the Marshals.”
Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker praised the nomination.
“J.C. Raffety has dedicated his life to law enforcement and improving the quality of life for those living in West Virginia,” said Walker, a longtime public servant himself. “He is a dedicated law enforcement official who created unity with local, state and federal agencies.
“I have worked with Mr. Raffety and have the greatest respect for him. I am looking forward to having the opportunity to work with him again as the U.S. marshal for the Northern District of West Virginia,” Walker said.
Harrison Sheriff Robert Matheny also praised the nomination.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with J.C. since I started over 30 years ago,” Matheny said. “I had the honor of serving as a special deputy marshal under him during his previous term as marshal. He is one of the best lawmen that I know. I have to say that outgoing Marshal (Gary) Gaskins fills the same bill, which will most likely provide for a smooth transition.”
Raffety is currently a contract investigator for the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office. He began his law enforcement career in 1970 with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he served for 30 years as a special agent and supervisory special agent in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Following his retirement from the FBI, Raffety served as chief of the Buckhannon Police Department from 2000 to 2001. In 2002, he was appointed by former President George W. Bush to be U.S. marshal for the Northern District of West Virginia, and he served in this capacity until 2010.
Raffety then served as elected Upshur County commissioner from 2011 to 2016 and interim chief of police for the Elkins Police Department in 2017.
He earned his Associate of Arts degree from Prince George’s Community College, his B.S. from Illinois State University and an M.P.A. from the University of Pittsburgh.
Raffety still must be confirmed by the Senate.