West Virginia Supreme Court makes announcement about dinnerware that cost thousands

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — The West Virginia Supreme Court, the focus of a series of investigative stories by Eyewitness News, made an announcement Friday about some of its previous spending concerning dinnerware purchased by the justices for thousands of dollars.

Previously, Eyewitness News reported about some of the court’s purchases such as the $32,000 couch, $58,000 carpet runner, $28,000 office rugs and an $8,000 office chair.

Eyewitness News kept on digging and was getting ready to tell you about an expensive dinnerware set purchased by the court several years ago.

In December, we filed a Freedom of Information Act request to the court, asking about a number of items. Those items included a set of dinnerware emblazoned with the court's seal. Eyewitness News wanted to know how much it cost. The court responded and said the 12-place setting, 264-pieces of Homer Laughlin dinnerware cost $3,870. We then asked the court for permission to take pictures of the plates and cups to tell you how your tax dollars were spent.

On Friday, administrative director Gary Johnson sent out a news release, saying the court has donated the dinnerware to the West Virginia Division of Culture and History.

Johnson said the decision was made after the court reviewed its 2012 purchase of the plates. Johnson said the decision to give away the plates was made in the interest of accountability and transparency.

Eyewitness News is looking into how the court and the rest of state government spends your money. Many more stories are on the way. Stay tuned.