The Berkeley (West Virginia) County Council has settled a lawsuit that alleged a former sheriff’s deputy sexually abused a woman.
The council will pay $25,000 to settle the lawsuit filed by Donna K. Pulse.
Council attorney Norwood Bentley III told The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown, Md., that the payment will be paid by the county’s insurance provider for such claims.
Former deputy P. Shannon Layne was acquitted of felony sexual abuse charges in August 2011.
Bentley said Layne agreed as part of the settlement to dismiss all of his counterclaims against Pulse.
Copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Independent Agencies Total About 37,000 in 2026, a Decrease From 2024
Florida’s Commercial Clearinghouse Plan Hits a Snag, With OIR and Board Concerns
Cleared of Charges, NJ’s Norcross Sues Inquirer, Editor for $100M in Defamation Suit
State Farm to Increase Claims Workforce by 3,000 

