Former West Virginia Sergeant Files Lawsuit Alleging Harassment by Sheriff

T(AP) PARKERSBURG, W.V. According to The Parkersburg News and Sentinel, a former West Virginia sheriff's officer filed a lawsuit Friday afternoon, alleging that the Wood County sheriff had made sexist and disparaging remarks about her and another officer, touched a female officer inappropriately, and fostered a hostile work environment. Former Sgt. Della D. Matheny filed the lawsuit, claiming that Sheriff Steve Stephens' actions ultimately caused her to leave the agency in July 2021. It claims that Stephens began making "inappropriate comments to (her) about her weight and appearance" in 2012, which is when the problematic behavior allegedly began. He remarked to her about the appearance of her butt in the jeans she was wearing.

Ethan Marlow

Calls to Stephens by the newspaper were not returned. Friday’s lawsuit says Hewitt filed a formal complaint in March 2020. The investigator recommended the Wood County Commission implement sexual harassment training, which was never done, the lawsuit states. Earlier this month, the Wood County Deputy Sheriff’s Association wrote to the County Commission, stating that they had taken a unanimous vote of no confidence in Stephens’ leadership. In response, Commissioner Blair Couch said he thought Stephens was “capable of regaining the deputies’ confidence,” the suit said. By not taking action, Matheny said the Commission “continues to condone the misogynistic culture created by Sheriff Stephens.” Matheny’s lawsuit names both Stephens and the County Commission as defendants. She is seeking a jury trial. On Friday afternoon, commissioners told the paper they had not yet read the suit and could not comment until it had been reviewed by the county prosecutor. They planned to discuss the issue during Monday’s regularly scheduled meeting

A former sheriff’s officer in West Virginia has filed a lawsuit alleging workplace misconduct and harassment..
Former Sgt. Della D. Matheny filed the lawsuit against Steve Stephens, the sheriff of Wood County.
The lawsuit claims Stephens made sexist and disparaging remarks and created a hostile work environment.
Matheny alleged that Stephens made inappropriate comments about her weight, appearance, and body starting in 2012.
She also accused him of inappropriate physical contact involving another female officer.

The Parkersburg News and Sentinel is a daily newspaper based in Parkersburg, West Virginia. It serves the Mid-Ohio Valley region, providing local, state, and national news coverage. The paper is a longstanding fixture in the community and continues to publish both print and digital editions.

The Parkersburg News and Sentinel was formed in 2009 when The Parkersburg News (a morning paper) merged with The Parkersburg Sentinel (an afternoon paper), both long-running local publications dating back to the 19th century. This consolidation reflected industry trends toward streamlining local news operations while maintaining community focus.

The newspaper emphasizes local reporting—covering city and county government, education, business, sports, and community events. It also includes regional and national wire news from services like the Associated Press. Its editorial stance is generally local in orientation, aimed at reflecting community interests rather than partisan politics.