FOIA Request to Mingo County Sheriff’s Office regarding 2023 arrest records on September 24, 2025.
A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was submitted to the Mingo County Sheriff’s Office by Southern West Virginia News. The request seeks comprehensive data on all arrest records from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023. The requested information includes a variety of data points such as the arrestee’s name, sex, race, age, date of birth, and citizenship status. Additionally, details like booking ID, date of arrest, booking photo, names of arresting officers, type and location of crime, and date of crime are also sought.
The purpose behind this request is rooted in the media organization’s commitment to transparency and accountability in local governmental affairs. Southern West Virginia News emphasizes the importance of accessing public records to fulfill its role in reporting news to the public. They have also requested a fee waiver for this FOIA request due to their status as a media organization.
The requester is affiliated with The Coalition Opposing Governmental Secrecy—a non-profit organization that aids media companies and advocacy groups in investigating governmental agencies through Freedom of Information and Sunshine Laws. More information about this coalition can be found on their website here.
Our team will continue to keep you updated as we gather and report news related to this request and other matters of public interest. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this matter.
