Trending
NEW CUMBERLAND -- More time is needed before court proceedings against a Hancock County attorney and his wife can continue, officials said.
Lawrence Lee Manypenny, 74, and his wife, Constance Carmella Manypenny, 74, had been scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing Thursday in Hancock County Magistrate Court after being charged with several felony counts alleging they defrauded an 86-year-old Weirton resident.
Ohio County Magistrate Mike Lemon, who was appointed special magistrate to hear the case, said after discussions Thursday morning that the defendants had waived their right to a preliminary hearing within 20 days.
“Now it’s up to the court, the state and the defense to come up with a new court date that fits everybody’s schedules,” Lemon said.
Brooke County Prosecuting Attorney Allison Cowden was appointed special prosecutor after Hancock County Prosecutor Steve Dragisich recused himself from the case.
Both Manypennys are charged with one count each of fraudulent schemes and conspiracy against the state and two counts each of financial exploitation of an elderly person. Each remains free on a $20,000 bond.
The alleged offenses occurred on or about Nov. 1, 2024, and April 9, according to court documents.
According to a criminal complaint outlining an investigation by the West Virginia State Police and signed July 2 by Hancock County Magistrate Stephen Svokas, troopers became involved after they were asked to conduct a welfare check at the home of the alleged victim, an 86-year-old military veteran who was receiving benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The alleged victim told troopers he did not understand why his attorney, Larry Manypenny, told him additional money was needed to cover legal fees and drove him to a local bank. After learning he did not have enough money to withdraw the requested amount, the man told investigators he withdrew $4,000 and gave it to Manypenny.
According to the complaint, Manypenny, who also held the man’s power of attorney, and his wife regularly checked on properties the alleged victim owned.
During the interview, troopers said the alleged victim told them he no longer wanted Manypenny to serve as his power of attorney but claimed Manypenny repeatedly brought him documents to sign that he did not understand.
The complaint also summarizes bank records showing numerous checks written to Constance Manypenny, Lawrence Manypenny and others.
Troopers executed search warrants April 13 at Manypenny’s law office in New Cumberland and at his residence in Weirton, according to the complaint.