Republican Sen. Mike Maroney was removed from his position as chair of the West Virginia state Senate Health and Human Resources Committee after being charged with indecent exposure and disorderly conduct. Maroney was arrested after an incident at Gumby’s Cigarette & Beer World in Glen Dale where employees allegedly saw him engaging in an act of sexual gratification in the video lottery room. Senate President Craig Blair stripped Maroney of his title and committee responsibilities in order to allow him to focus on his personal issues while the investigation unfolds.
Maroney, who has served in the state senate since 2016, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Blair expressed concern for Maroney’s well-being and disappointment in the allegations, stating that such behavior is not up to the standard expected of elected leaders. Maroney, whose term was set to end soon, lost in the primary election to a challenger after speaking out against a bill allowing exemptions from vaccination requirements. His advocacy on controversial issues like vaccination exemptions and medical interventions for transgender adolescents had previously caused him to fall out of favor with some members of his party.
Maroney’s public opposition to legislation allowing exemptions from vaccination requirements in West Virginia, a state that offers only medical exemptions, was a point of contention within the Republican caucus. He described the bill as harmful to the state and stated his obligation as a healthcare provider to “do no harm.” Additionally, Maroney’s stance against a total ban on medical interventions for transgender adolescents further distanced him from some Republicans. His belief that lawmakers without medical expertise should not be passing laws restricting medical treatments caused tension within the party.
If found guilty of disorderly conduct, Maroney could face jail time and fines, while indecent exposure carries a potential penalty of up to a year in jail and fines. The charges against Maroney stem from an incident at a local establishment and have caused him to lose his position of leadership within the state legislature. The investigation into the allegations is ongoing, and Maroney has not publicly commented on the charges or subsequent actions taken by Senate leadership. The situation involving Maroney highlights the responsibilities and expectations placed on elected officials and the consequences of their actions outside of their official duties.
