U.S.

West Virginia Impeaches 3 Of 4 State Supreme Court Justices

They were named in 14 articles of impeachment.

West Virginia Impeaches 3 Of 4 State Supreme Court Justices
House of Delegates
SMS

West Virginia lawmakers have voted to impeach three out of four of the state's sitting Supreme Court justices as of 8:45 Central Time Monday evening.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting  reports the judges were named in 14 articles of impeachment "for their roles in lavish spending on court office renovations, the personal use of state resources, and the overpayment of other judges."

Democrats on the state's House Judiciary Committee approved the articles last week.

The court previously had five justices but one pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud and resigned last month. 

Lawmakers have a deadline of Tuesday, 11:59 p.m., to trigger a special election to fill court vacancies. After that time, West Virgina Gov. Jim Justice would have to appoint new justices.