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Hummel Appoints New Attorney In Welch Case

By Staff | May 5, 2009

Yet another attorney has been appointed for Thomas Welch, 43, of 303 North Eighth Ave., Paden City, who was indicted in September 2006 on five counts of a sexual assault nature. The alleged incidents occurred between July 4 and July 30, 2006.

On April 22 court-appointed attorney Joe Moses told Judge David Hummel Jr. there could be a moral conflict if he represented Welch because of his past representation of child victims.

Moses said there are concerns. “I understand my duty as a attorney, but I cannot look into a child victim’s eyes knowing I did representation for Mr. Welch.”

Worthy Paul, assistant prosecuting attorney, told Moses that he understood his conflict.

Hummel granted a motion on this fact and then appointed Attorney Tom White to represent Welch.

On April 27 White told the court that he had made contact with Moses, but stated all the files have yet to come to his office. Hummel told White that Welch’s case file contained 929 pages and it was a substantial file to look over.

White explained to Hummel that he was willing to continue the case to the next term of court. Hummel explained to the court the next term will start on May 11. Hummel set a status hearing on docket day, May 13, at 9 a.m.