Ohio County Prosecutor Scott Smith already has spent 24 years working in the prosecutor’s office, and voters have indicated they want him there for four more years.

Smith, a Democrat, defeated Republican Martin Sheehan in Tuesday’s election to win a fifth term in office. Smith received 10,794 votes; and Sheehan, 6,802, according to unofficial totals.

Smith has been Ohio County prosecutor for 16 years, and prior to his first election to the office in 2000 he served as assistant prosecutor for eight years.

“I have a terrific family — my wife Holly, two daughters, and twin sons,” Smith said.

He holds an undergraduate graduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and a law degree from West Virginia University.

He started his law career practicing civil law, but Smith said he finds criminal law to be the most interesting.

“It’s one of the only areas of law where you’re in the courtroom on a regular basis,” he said. “In civil law, usually everything is settled, and there is not as much of a chance to try cases.”

Smith also likes working with younger attorneys, and helping them to hone their courtroom skills.

He also likes the science portion of the job. This includes using and understanding testing involving DNA evidence, fingerprints and gunshot residue.

“I also like to talk to doctors about knife and gunshot wounds, and how they cause injuries,” Smith said.