West Virginia’s state Senate voted Tuesday to allow Supreme Court of Appeals Justice Beth Walker to remain on the bench following impeachment proceedings.

The state Senate’s 2018 Second Extraordinary Session, which first convened in June, followed the state legislature’s move to impeach [JURIST report] the entire state Supreme Court bench. Allegations were made against Walker that she was irresponsible in her handling of judiciary finances. The allegations include using judicial revenue to fund lavish office renovations, frequent restaurant lunches, travels, appropriating judicial computers for home use, and misuse of government equipment and vehicles. 

The Senate voted [roll call] 32-1, with one absent against sustaining Article XIV of the Articles of Impeachment [JURIST report], which were issued against members of the court in August.

Ultimately, the Senate issued a public reprimand [SR 205] against Walker. It directed Walker to exercise more professional responsibility when handling the judiciary budget in accordance with state and federal laws. In a public statement [press release], Walker acknowledged her charge to implement more transparency and oversight of the court’s budget. She stated she looks forward to working with the state legislature to accomplish this goal.