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Former Hancock County Sheriff’s Candidate Mark Cowden Makes First Court Appearance

WHEELING — Following a federal grand jury indictment, Hancock County Sheriff candidate Mark Cowden made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate James E. Seibert Monday, posting a personal recognizance bond.

Cowden, 51, a former lieutenant with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, allegedly exercised excessive force during an arrest on Jan. 27, 2015. He faces one count each of deprivation of rights and obstruction of justice. He will be arraigned at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, and he could serve up to 30 years in prison and owe $500,000 in fines.

He is represented by Michael Nogay of Sellitti, Nogay and McCune, PLLC in Weirton.

According to the indictment, Cowden allegedly assaulted a person who had been arrested at the Hancock County Sheriff’s office. Cowden then allegedly made four false statements in arrest-related paperwork and omitted two key facts.

The indictment said Cowden falsely claimed the suspect became “more agitated,” and incorrectly described the suspect as “verbally abusive/combative.” The indictment also states Cowden didn’t mind mentioning striking the suspect in the head, thus injuring them.

Cowden worked for the sheriff’s department for 26 years, prior to retiring in May 2015 and submitting his bid for sheriff in January 2016. He ran unopposed in the May 10 primary election as a Republican, and he’s up against current Hancock County Sheriff Ralph Fletcher in November.

Cowden, who could not be reached for comment, said he was a “visionary leader whose only goal is to serve the citizens of this county. … I am pro Second Amendment and the constitutional rights of the people” during his campaign.

Ashley Lough, executive assistant to the U.S. Attorney, said no comment could be made at this time regarding Cowden.

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