KINGWOOD, W.Va.-– Preston County Sheriff Paul “Moe” Pritt passed away Monday night at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital due to complications from an infection.
Capt. Thomas Mitter told WAJR News,” All we know is that he had an infection of some sort, and it kept progressing and got worse.“
Pritt was a lifelong resident of the Terra Alta area of Preston County. Pritt graduated from East Preston Senior High School and Fairmont State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science. He leaves behind a wife and three daughters.
He began his law enforcement career after graduating from the West Virginia State Police Academy in 1994.
“He started his career here at the sheriff’s office, and other than a short time with the Public Service Commission, he’s always been here,” Cpt. Mitter said. “He was a very matter-of-fact officer; he was the one everybody went to for advice.”
Pritt was running unopposed for reelection in the May primary. According to state law, the county commission must appoint a replacement within 30 days if the terms of the prosecuting attorney, sheriff, assessor, or county surveyor cannot be completed.