WV Democratic Party Calls for Investigation Into State Auditor Mark Hunt Over Tax Deed Allegations

The West Virginia Democratic Party is calling for an immediate, independent investigation into State Auditor Mark Hunt following revelations that he personally signed nine property tax deeds between March and June 2025.

These deeds, which involve properties sold due to delinquent taxes, were signed by Hunt despite state law designating that responsibility to the deputy land commissioner.

Democratic Party Requests Investigation

On Monday, West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin formally requested an inquiry into the actions of the Auditor’s Office, as reported by West Virginia Watch. Pushkin highlighted that the Auditor’s Office processes approximately 17,000 deeds annually. He questioned why Hunt personally intervened in these nine specific cases, noting that each one benefited a company linked to a longtime friend and employee of the auditor.

The spouse of that employee has contributed to Hunt’s political campaigns. Pushkin is seeking a review of the office’s relationships with private purchasers of tax-delinquent property and potential conflicts of interest involving contractors and contributors. He has specifically called on Governor Patrick Morrisey, Attorney General J.B. McCuskey, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, and Senate President Randy Smith to address the allegations.

Auditor Defends Signing Authority

Mark Hunt, who was elected in 2024 and previously served in the state Senate, maintains that his role as auditor grants him the legal authority to sign the documents. Speaking to West Virginia Watch, Hunt stated that the deputy commissioner operates under his direct authority. He argued that it would be illogical to suggest the commissioner’s superior lacks the power to sign deeds or handle other office matters.

Hunt cited a specific section of state code to justify his actions, asserting that he only intervened in this manner for Robert L. Johns, a longtime friend and consultant within the office. This practice has drawn sharp criticism from within his own party.

Delegate Tristan Leavitt, a Republican representing Kanawha, posted on social media that Hunt ignored state code to provide a financial benefit to an associate. Leavitt stated that the evidence warrants an immediate resignation.

Grand Jury Subpoena Targets Auditor’s Office

The scrutiny surrounding Hunt’s office extends beyond these specific deeds. In late October, Brad McElhinny of WV MetroNews reported that the Auditor’s Office was served with a federal grand jury subpoena. Hunt has stated that he has not been contacted regarding the federal probe and has provided no further comment on the matter.

The controversy involves properties with a combined appraised value of approximately $38 million. Concerns have been raised by members of the legislature, including Republican State Senator Ryan Weld, who helped draft the state’s property tax sale laws.

Public Call for Accountability

Pushkin’s request for an investigation focuses on why the deputy land commissioner did not sign the documents, as required by law. He suggested that if a backlog existed in the office, the auditor should have directed the deputy to handle the filings rather than intervening personally. The Democratic Party chair emphasized that the silence from Republican leadership on these matters remains a point of contention.

As the state continues to manage delinquent property tax transactions, the legal framework governing these sales remains a focal point for oversight. The federal grand jury subpoenas served to the Auditor’s Office and calls for a state-level investigation have raised questions regarding the oversight and practices of State Auditor Mark Hunt.

Additional Details on Transactions

All nine of these deeds were issued to MAPA LLC, a company incorporated under Patricia Johns. Her husband, Robert L. Johns, is a longtime friend of Hunt and a paid consultant and employee in the Auditor’s Office. Patricia Johns has also contributed thousands of dollars to Hunt’s political campaigns for both the state Senate and the Auditor’s office.