The current term of office of United States Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone at Wheeling, West Virginia, is due to expire on September 3, 2026. The United States District Court is required by law to establish a panel of citizens to consider the reappointment of the magistrate judge to a new eight (8) year term.

The duties of a magistrate judge in this Court include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) conduct of most preliminary proceedings in criminal cases; 2) trial and disposition of misdemeanor cases; 3) conduct of various pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings upon delegation from the judges of the district court; and 4) trial and disposition of civil cases upon consent of the litigants.

Comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent magistrate judge should be recommended by the panel for reappointment by the Court. All comments should be directed to Stephanie Hainer Ojeda, Clerk of Court, by email: Stephanie_ Ojeda@wvnd.uscourts.gov.

Comments must be received by April 17 , 2026.