West Virginia Senator Mike Maroney, a Republican who chaired the state Senate Health and Human Resources Committee, was arrested on Tuesday for indecent exposure and disorderly conduct following an incident at Gumby’s Cigarette & Beer World in Glen Dale on August 4.
Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney Joe Canestraro reported that Maroney was recorded on surveillance video engaging in an act of sexual gratification in the establishment’s video lottery room, where he was alone. The employees, who observed the incident, called the police to report the incident.
“The Glendale Police Department received a call from two female employees at a local gaming parlor about a man that was committing an overt act of sexual gratification in the gaming parlor,” Canestraro said.
In response, Senate President Craig Blair removed Maroney from his chair position and all committee responsibilities, stating that Maroney needs time to address his personal issues. Blair expressed deep concern and disappointment, noting that such behavior, if proven true, does not meet the standards expected from state senators.
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“The facts that have emerged are troubling, and I am disappointed,” Blair said, adding later: “This allegation is obviously not up to the standard of what we expect from our elected leaders in the State Senate of West Virginia.”
Maroney, 56, has been serving in the state Senate since 2016. He was defeated in the May primary by Chris Rose, a utility company electrician and former coal miner.
Maroney also faced criticism from some Republicans last year when he opposed a proposed ban on medical interventions for transgender adolescents, such as puberty blockers and hormone therapy. He argued that such bans were akin to denying proven treatments for mental health disorders and cancer.
If convicted, Maroney faces up to one year in jail and a $500 fine for indecent exposure. He could also face up to 24 hours in jail and a $100 fine for disorderly conduct.
This recent charge follows a previous incident in 2019 when Maroney was charged with solicitation of a prostitute, although those charges were eventually dropped.
Maroney has not yet responded to requests for comment.
