Lincoln County accepts Thomas Ramey's resignation - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

The Lincoln County Commission accepted Thomas Ramey's resignation during a special meeting Tuesday.

The county now will begin the process of looking for an interim replacement for the next four months, commissioners said. Ramey's position will be posted on the November ballot, where a permanent replacement will be chosen.

Because of redistricting, the district his replacement will be representing is to be decided, according to the commission. There are three districts in Lincoln County, it will either be District 2 or 3. County officials will meet with the prosecuting attorney for legal advice.

Ramey would have five years left of his term. Whomever is elected in November will complete his term.

Federal investigators said Ramey was present while absentee ballots were altered, despite telling them he had no knowledge of the changes. 

"I am not required to resign until the date of my plea hearing on Aug. 8, 2012, but, in my opinion, it is best that I resign immediately as any delay on my part in resigning would impact the ability of likely independent candidates filing for my position," Ramey said in the resignation letter.