MONONGAH, W.Va. —The former Monongah police chief caught in a viral video of a violent traffic stop will go before the West Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Subcommittee later this month.
Chief Nathan Lanham lost his job following the Aug. 2 stop and now the attorney representing the woman he pulled over says he should no longer be allowed to be a police officer.
The hearing is on Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. at the West Virginia State Police Academy Professional Development Center in Institute.
Joe Shaffer represents Beth Delloma who he said is still suffering from what happened, He said she’s been treated for PTSD since it happened.
“The lady is afraid to leave her mother’s home. I’ve never seen someone so traumatized over something,” Shaffer said. “Think about it: a loaded gun to your head on three different occasions while somebody is screaming, they’re going to blow your head off for a dead license tag.”
Lanham stopped Delloma for an expired registration sticker. The interaction spiraled out of control when Delloma asked for identification and Lanham refused. Lanham pointed his service weapon at Delloma several times and wrestled her to the ground as she attempted to flee the scene for help. She was in jail for 5 days after being charged with fleeing with reckless indifference.
The charge was dropped the following Monday.
“Any member of the public can attend the (Aug. 29) hearing and anybody who wants to speak on the matter or show evidence can do so,” Shaffer said. “And then, of course, Mr. Lanham will have a right to speak on his own behalf.”
It’s been reported that Lanham was employed by several other small departments in the area. Shaffer said he believed Lanham has been released from all of those departments except for the Town of Anmoore. There were unconfirmed reports that Lanham would be retained, but he was assessed a 10-day suspension for his actions before being allowed to return to the force. Shaffer said he believes that decision will be finalized Monday night at the Anmoore city council meeting.
“I texted the Chief of Police in Anmoore, Don Quinn Sr., last night, and I asked him to confirm whether or not that was true, and his response to me was to show up at the council meeting Monday night and complain,” Shaffer said.
Shaffer said he doesn’t plan to make a case to city council members and said his actions will remain in the best interests of Ms. Deloma. But he said people close will know Lanham is employed as a police officer in Anmoore, and he’ll advise them to avoid the town.
”I indicated that I would not be doing that, I’m not a resident of Anmoore,” Shaffer said. “But I did indicate that no loved one of mine will travel through Anmoore anymore, especially not my wife, my daughters, my mother, or my sisters if I have anything to say about it.”
Shaffer said he continues to consider what will be best for his client and has not decided if he will testify before the board.
“I’m going to think about whether or not to be there, whether or not to present any evidence,” Shaffer said. “I’ll make that decision based on what’s in her best interests.”
Story by Mike Nolting, WAJR