Carper investigation closed, no further action required: U.S. Attorney Will Thompson

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – 13 News has received Carper’s termination letter. It is said his resignation will take effect at the end of the day on Sunday.

Shortly after Kent Carper announced his resignation from the Kanawha County Commission, the U.S. Department of Justice said it had completed its investigation and would take no further action.

“The investigation revealed significant, concerning allegations. It was also determined that Carper had significant health problems that could have impacted his actions relevant to the investigation. “As a result, the decision was made to close the investigation without taking any further action,” the U.S. Department of Justice said in a press release.

Kent Carper said he resigned from the Kanawha County Commission on Friday, according to Tom Susman. The Kanawha County Commission said it received Carper’s resignation Friday.

“Today I resigned from my position as County Commissioner. I am making this announcement now so that voters know that regardless of the election outcome, I will no longer serve on the commission,” Carper said in a statement. “I am deeply grateful to the people of Kanawha County for the opportunity to serve them for so long. I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished together and I look forward to continuing to serve our community in every way possible.”

The Kanawha County Commission thanked Carper for his “service to the commission for 28 years.” They said they would discuss a date at an upcoming meeting.

Prosecutor Dave Wandling, who was appointed special prosecutor in June 2023, released a statement. He said in part: “The special investigation conducted by the West Virginia State Police uncovered troubling information regarding the allegations made by the complainant.” However, it also uncovered exculpatory information that Mr. Carper had significant health problems that could have impacted his actions . As a result, it was decided to close the investigation without taking any further action.”

Carper has been commissioner since 1996, according to a news release. He served as Commission President for 21 years until handing over the title to Commissioner Lance Wheeler on January 11, 2024.

On May 15, 2023, 911 dispatched police to Daniel Boone Park in Charleston after a woman called to say that a man, now identified as Commissioner Carper, had indecently exposed himself to her. The patrol officer who responded was Hart Childress, who happens to be the boyfriend of Megan Estep, Commissioner Lance Wheeler’s administrative assistant.

Childress spoke to both Carper and the caller on May 15 at Daniel Boone Park. Carper was questioned but not cited and was allowed to leave.

Hours later, Carper allegedly emailed Estep asking if she would be interested in becoming golf superintendent at a county park. Federal investigators are involved because the offer was made via email. They want to know whether the offer was essentially an attempt at bribery to curry favor with investigating officer Childress.

Investigators also want to know whether Carper attempted to influence the investigation by obstructing justice.

After the events of May 15, Carper’s family issued a statement saying he had been suffering from an illness in the park that day and that this had all been a “terrible misunderstanding.” Later that same week, Carper underwent open-heart bypass surgery.

Kent Carper has not been charged with any crime.