The Inter-Mountain file photo Circuit Judge David Wilmoth speaks during a public event in 2020. He was appointed judge of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit by former Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin in 2015, and was elected to the position in 2016.

Editor’s Note: This is part of an ongoing series of articles which will focus on our local elected and appointed governmental leaders, the duties they perform and the services offered by their respective offices.

ELKINS — Helping others and attempting to make improvements in Randolph County are the two most rewarding things David Wilmoth says he has experienced as judge of the Twentieth Judicial Circuit.

Wilmoth, who was originally appointed by former Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin to an unexpired term in March 2015, was elected to a full term the following year.

“Making decisions that I believe will make a positive difference in the lives of the people who appear in court, as well as all county residents, is very important to me,” Wilmoth told The Inter-Mountain.

“This includes the Family Treatment Court program I was privileged to start in 2020, as well as the Youth Report Center that I started with the cooperation and assistance of the Randolph County Board of Education, State Bureau of Juvenile Services, State Department of Education, and local service providers.”

A work week for Wilmoth is non-stop from start to finish as he remains busy each and every day he enters the Randolph County Courthouse.

“On most days I’m in court conducting a trial or hearing cases and making decisions on the issues each case presents,” he said. “When I am not in court I take time to prepare for upcoming hearings and perform a wide variety of administrative responsibilities.”

Wilmoth said all of the hard work could not be accomplished without the aid of his office staff, Teena Marcum, Mary Wendekier and Stacy Isabell. Marcum is his administrative assistant, while Wendekier is his law clerk. Isabell is the court reporter.

“Teena keeps things organized and moving as smoothly as possible,” Wilmoth said. “Mary helps get me prepared for hearings by drafting case summaries and doing legal research, and both of them work together on the docket, or calendar. 

“Stacy is essential; without her to keep a record of hearings, court couldn’t take place. Without all three of them it would be impossible to perform my job.”

Before becoming Circuit Judge, Wilmoth practiced law in Randolph County and throughout West Virginia for close to 25 years. He is a native of Elkins and graduated from Elkins High School in 1983. He has a 1988 bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Marshall University and a 1991 law degree from the West Virginia University College of Law.

“After graduating from law school, a judge has to be licensed to practice law and admitted to the West Virginia State Bar for five years,” Wilmoth said. “After meeting those qualifications, a judge had to run for the office and be elected by the citizens.”

Wilmoth said it would be an honor and privilege to retire as Randolph County Circuit Judge. He said he intends to run for re-election in 2024. 

“The court system depends on citizens of the county to operate and we could not do the jobs we’ve been given if we didn’t have the help of citizens willing to serve as jurors or grand jurors,” Wilmoth said. “I appreciate the service of the many residents who have taken time out of their busy schedules to be jurors.  I know it is a difficult and sometimes inconvenient task, but without their willingness the court system couldn’t function properly. 

“I truly appreciate the support of the citizens of Randolph County over the past years.”

The thing Wilmoth likes least about his job is having to deal with cases that involve children.

“Many of the cases I hear are about criminal conduct and mistreatment of children,” he said. “Those days are tough, and are what led me to initiate the programs I have added.”