New Martinsville Patrolman Russell Smitley has been suspended from the New Martinsville Police Department without pay until further notice.

In May he was charged in Wetzel County Magistrate Court with one count of stalking/harassing. Smitley allegedly had a long-term relationship with the victim prior to the incidents which began in March.

Following a couple months of complaints from the victim and a warning from Wetzel County Prosecutor Tim Haught, Smitley was arrested on May 7. Smitley was allegedly witnessed by West Virginia State Police Sergeant J.A. Laing pursuing the victim in an attempt to harass the victim which placed the victim in reasonable fear for her safety and the safety of her family. Sergeant Laing placed Smitley under arrest as the result of a traffic stop made on Paden Fork Road in Wetzel County.

The suspension without pay was effective July 10 and followed a civil service commission meting July 8 that upheld that action. Smitley is currently unable to carry a firearm.