Democratic lawmakers in West Virginia have formally requested that state Attorney General JB McCuskey issue a legal opinion regarding whether State Auditor Mark Hunt violated state law by personally executing delinquent property tax deeds past statutory deadlines for an associate’s company.
According to transaction records reported by WV MetroNews, a Boone County property notice said that state code prohibited executing a deed after November 14, 2024. Yet records indicate the deed fee was received on March 28, 2025.
- Legislative Democrats sent a memo to House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and Senate President Randy Smith requesting an official Attorney General review.
- Auditor Mark Hunt acknowledged personally signing nine delinquent tax deeds for MAPA LLC, a firm tied to office contractor Robert Johns.
- Attorney General JB McCuskey stated his previous tenure left the land division in professional shape, pushing back against claims of disarray.
The controversy centers on whether Hunt possessed the legal authority to bypass standard procedures. State code assigns the execution of property tax deeds to the deputy land commissioner rather than the elected auditor. Lawmakers question whether transactions completed outside the mandatory statutory timeline comply with state law.
West Virginia Watch first detailed how Hunt personally signed the nine tax deeds for a friend and office employee. “The State Auditor’s Office exists to root out corruption, not to practice it,” wrote the House and Senate Democratic Caucuses in their request, according to WV News.
Hunt defended his intervention during an interview on MetroNews Talkline. He explained that he stepped in to finalize pending dispositions and avoid potential litigation costs. “So the auditor sitting in equity, me, decided we’ll sign the deeds rather than get sued and go to court,” Hunt said on MetroNews Talkline. He added, “I’m the boss; I’ll take the heat.”
| Transaction Detail | Statutory Requirement | Recorded Action |
|---|---|---|
| Boone County Deed Deadline | November 14, 2024 | Fee received March 28, 2025 |
| Deed Signing Authority | Deputy Land Commissioner | Executed personally by Auditor Mark Hunt |
| Recipient Entity | Public Auction Rules | MAPA LLC (linked to office employee) |
The 2022 tax-sale reforms were enacted specifically to safeguard property owners’ due process rights and prevent insider advantages. Democratic members in the House and Senate asked leadership to deliver the review request to McCuskey, as only the Senate President and House Speaker hold the authority to request a formal Attorney General opinion.
McCuskey issued a public defense of the office he led from 2017 to 2025 before Hunt assumed the role. “Claims that the land division was left in disarray do not match the facts of eight years of positive reform and success,” McCuskey wrote in a statement to reporters.
As the evaluation continues, Jacque Bland, communications director for the Senate, confirmed the receipt of the memo. “We received the request yesterday afternoon, and we’re evaluating it,” Bland said.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
