A long-time Harrison County law enforcement officer was arrested this morning on one count of engaging in prostitution, which is a misdemeanor charge.
According to Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny, arrested was Sgt. Sam L. Morrison, who has 13 years with the department. Morrison was arraigned today before Harrison County Magistrate Kevin Renzelli and has since been released on a personal recognizance bond.
Morrison pleaded not guilty.
“We want to be very transparent about today’s disheartening news of the arrest of one of our own,” said Matheny during an 11 a.m. press conference today.
Matheny then read the complaint explaining how the arrest unfolded and when the investigation began. The arrest took place less than two weeks after Sheriff’s officials became aware of what was taking place on May 8.
Detective J.R. Flanagan was reviewing Meta (Facebook) records that he received on the May 8 date. Flanagan saw communications from Morrison that “appears to indicate criminal activity,” Matheny read.
Flanagan notified Lt. Zach Mealey. That led to Mealey starting a separate criminal investigation on May 9. During the investigation, an incident was reviewed going back to Jan. 7 where Mealey reviewed Morrison’s clock in and clock out times and also details from the “source of information (SOI),” which appears to be the prostitute.
“Messages indicted that the SOI … planned to meet near the intersection of Harrison and Point Street in Clarksburg, Harrison County with the intent to engage in prostitution,” Matheny read. “The Source of Information asked Sam Morrison for $20 and later the Source of Information states, ‘I can’t meet you here, but I can meet you down the street.’”
Morrison replied to the affirmative. In a recorded statement on May 17, Matheny said, the SOI provided additional details of their overall relationship and on the interaction between herself and Sam Marrison on Jan. 7, 2024.
“He placed her in his marked law enforcement vehicle. Sam Morrison then drove to the old Parkette near the intersections of East Pike Street and Columbia Boulevard in Harrison County. Once in that location, Sam Morrison and the Source of Information engaged in prostitution, specifically sexual intercourse, for payment.”
After the engagement was over, Morrison allegedly drove the SOI back to Harrison Street in Clarksburg where he also picked her up. The SOI reported that she and Morrison would regularly “meet for sex” during times in which Morrison was on duty. The SOI said it only occurred because payment was made each time.
Matheny said Morrison was arrested this morning without incident. He said it took place quickly once the information was obtained as the detective division collaborated with Chief Deputy Rob Waybright II and law enforcement division.
The Sheriff also said that investigation was corroborated by eyewitness testimony. In this case, it would be the SOI.
“This morning, I placed Morrison on leave without pay pending termination,” said Matheny. Matheny added that Morrison, as would anyone, retains the right to due process.
As for his retirement, Matheny said Morrison, who is a field training officer, would have to communicate with the West Virgnia retirement board. Morrison is a member of the West Virginia Deputy Sheriff’s Retirement System. He said that matter will be between those two parties if, and when, it becomes an issue.
“There are no other deputies involved in this particular incident. This is not the culture of the Sheriff’s office, and it does not reflect, nor should it reflect, on the other deputy sheriff’s or members of the sheriff’s office,” said Matheny.
Matheny said it was a not a good day for law enforcement.
“Nobody is more disappointed in a bad good than a good cop,” said Matheny. “We live by that. The law is not for sale, trade, or giveaway.”
West Virginia State Code lists the penalty for this as 60 days to six months in prison with a fine ranging between $50 and $100. Unless, or until convicted, Morrison is presumed innocent.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny. In the second photo, from left, is Captain Chad McIntyre, Lt. Corey Heater, Matheny, Chief Deputy Rob Waybright II, and Lt. Zach Mealey. Bottom photo shows Morrison begin sworn in as Sergeant in September of 2023.
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