Logan County Commissioner files defamation & malicious prosecution lawsuit
WVOW News | A.M. Stone & Shana Rundle
LOGAN Logan County Commissioner Diana Barnette has filed a lawsuit alleging defamation and malicious prosecution by a former supporter.
Barnette filed the lawsuit Friday morning, October 23, against Greenville resident Chris Trent, alleging defamation and malicious prosecution.
The lawsuit stems from Trent's unsuccessful legal challenge earlier this year to Barnette's residency in the May primary race. Kanawha County Judge Richard Lindsay denied Trent’s writ of mandamus that sought to remove Barnette from the ballot.
During the April hearing in that case, Trent testified that Debbie Mendez, Barnette's opponent in the Republican primary, asked him to petition the court.
"I was called and told a lawyer was available to take the case, so I agreed to," Trent said.
"Who called you and told you that?" Barnette's attorney, Mike Hissam, asked.
"Debbie Mendez," Trent answered.
Asked whether Mendez was paying for his legal representation, Trent replied, "I don't know who's paying for the representation to be quite honest with you."
Barnette testified at the time that she followed proper procedure to register her address at the Appalachian Outpost in Lyburn in order to run for office in 2020. Trent alleged that she didn't live in Lyburn but actually lived in Holden.
In the new suit, Barnette alleges that Trent campaigned for her in 2020, had firsthand knowledge of her living arrangements, and knowingly pursued a baseless claim. She alleges her reputation was damaged by claims Trent made online.
Barnette is suing for compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees and other costs. According to the filing in circuit court, Barnette may amend her complaint to include more parties as the suit works its way through the courts. Mendez is not named as a defendant in the new lawsuit.
Trent tells WVOW News he is aware of the lawsuit and is preparing a counter-suit. He maintains he has done nothing wrong.
Barnette lost her nomination bid for reelection to the Logan County Commission during the May primary. Debbie Mendez defeated Barnette for the Republican nomination and now faces Democrat Gary Runyon for the seat on the county commission.
The lawsuit comes just days after early voting for the 2026 General Election began on Wednesday, October 21.
More than 16,000 West Virginians cast their ballots on the first day of early voting last Wednesday.
As of the close of the polls on Tuesday, 718 early voters had cast ballots in the 2026 General Election.
Election Day is November 3.
