Haught Honors Officers

Pictured from left are Wetzel County Sheriff James Hoskins; Corporal Mike Koontz, co-officer of the year; Deputy Rob Hayes, co-officer of the year; and Wetzel County Prosecutor Tim Haught. (Photo by Amy Witschey)
Wetzel County Sheriff’s Corporal Mike Koontz and Deputy Rob Hayes were awarded Co-Officer of the Year honors from Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney Tim Haught July 1.
While this is an award he gives annually, this is the first time it has been shared between two officers. It is fitting as they have often worked in concert. The officers, said Haught, have been instrumental in the war against drugs in Wetzel County.
“We’ve had multiple convictions as a result of their efforts,” said Haught. “I stopped counting at 60 drug convictions.”
While all law enforcement officers in the county have tried to focus on eradicating illegal drugs, Haught said Koontz and Hayes initiated the work in 1995. Koontz has been with the department 16 years and Hayes for 17 years.
“They have always been very helpful,” said Haught. They have done a lot of undercover work and work with confidential informants. “I think it’s something that’s long overdue,” noted Haught.
He made special mention that he has never had a case from the WCSD that has had evidence suppressed for a bad search or another technicality. In fact, Haught has never lost a drug case that has gone to trial.
“It has been an honor to have them as deputies with the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Department,” said Sheriff James Hoskins. “They’ve done an outstanding job for the citizens of Wetzel County. They’ve been diligent in their work.”