Stalking ends with prison sentence for former Monongah police chief | Local news

FAIRMONT – Officials with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office arrested former Monongah Police Chief Gregory Allen Knight on stalking charges in April.

A deputy arrested Knight on suspicion of stalking outside his ex-girlfriend’s home.

“(The victim) stated that she came home and found Mr. Knight’s vehicle in her driveway. When she went to confront him at the vehicle, he came out of the woods near her residence dressed all in black,” the criminal complaint states.

The Times West Virginian obtained a copy of the complaint from the Monongalia County Magistrate.

Monongah Mayor John “Johnboy” Palmer confirmed that Knight began working for the City of Monongah on September 20, 2023, and resigned on January 26, 2024. Palmer declined to comment further, citing personnel rules. A reason for Knight’s departure was not given.

The criminal complaint states that the victim filed for a domestic violence protection order against Knight, but the order was later revoked at a family court hearing. After the revocation, Knight began stalking her.

“(The victim) further stated that Mr. Knight follows her everywhere, having shown up at the home of one of her friends on a previous occasion and (had to be) forcibly removed,” the complaint states.

The report adds that the victim continually told Knight that she did not want any contact with him.

The deputy responded after receiving a notification of a disturbance and possible domestic violence at a location east of Morgantown.

Judge Ronald Lee Bane Jr. found Knight guilty of harassment. Harassment is defined as conduct directed at another person with the intent to create fear for personal safety. Bane sentenced Knight on May 22, 2024.

The judge sentenced Knight to six months in the North Central Regional Jail.