CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Former Monongah Police Chief Nathan Lanham was in from the Law Enforcement Professional Standards (LEPS) Subcommittee Wednesday.
LEPS Subcommittee members include members of law enforcement, municipal leaders, and the West Virginia Human Rights Commission who are asked to hear matters when a police officer’s certification could be in jeopardy.
Lanham stopped Beth Delloma for an expired registration sticker Aug. 7. The interaction spiraled out of control when Delloma asked for identification and Lanham refused. Lanham pointed his service weapon at Delloma several times and wrestled her to the ground as she attempted to flee the scene for help. She was in jail for 5 days after being charged with fleeing with reckless indifference.
“The committee tabled all decisions on Nathan Lanham until next month due to the fact we needed more specific information about the incident,” Walker said.
Walker said there was not enough information to make a determination at the hearing on Wednesday that was attended by Lanham and his legal counsel. Walker said If the board would decide to decertify Lanham he would have an opportunity to appeal the ruling.
“It will be voted on by the board, and the board could decide to allow him to continue as a police officer, or the board could also say “no.” From this point on, you’ll never be a police officer in the state of West Virginia.”
Until the board is satisfied with the evidence they have to review in order to make a decision, Lanham cannot work as a police officer for any municipality in West Virginia.
“He is on a stop work order,” Walker said. “That means he cannot be a police officer in West Virginia until he comes back before us.”
The next hearing will be Thursday, Oct. 31 at 9 a.m. at the Charleston Embassy Suites Hotel.