Raleigh

Former Raleigh County Prosecutor Benjamin Hatfield Disbarred Following Scandal and Multiple Allegations

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Benjamin Hatfield, former Raleigh County prosecuting attorney, has been disbarred from practicing law across West Virginia following a series of professional and personal controversies. The state’s Supreme Court of Appeals rendered Hatfield unable to practice law by annulling his license, a decision made with his voluntary consent last Wednesday. Hatfield, who stepped down from his elected position last fall amidst mounting allegations, consented to the annulment of his license on December 30, 2024, effectively ending his legal career in the state. The move came as a resolution to an investigation spearheaded by … Read more

Raleigh Store Owner Convicted of Voluntary Manslaughter in Customer’s Death After Heated Altercation

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RALEIGH, N.C. — A local store owner, Taiseer “Taz” Zarka, has been convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the fatal stabbing of a customer, following a trial that captivated the city, officials reported. The decision came after approximately six hours of jury deliberation, concluding a case that has fueled debates about self-defense and property protection. The incident, which occurred in April 2023, originated from an accusation by Zarka that the customer, 27-year-old Mark Garrity Jr., attempted to steal a Gatorade from Zarka’s downtown convenience store. The confrontation escalated quickly, leading to a physical altercation and ultimately, … Read more