James Matheny was convicted in May of using a deadly weapon to assault FBI Special Agent Todd Berry and West Virginia secretary of state investigator James Wise in a voting fraud investigation, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The investigators were attempting to question Matheny about an absentee ballot when the crime occurred. Prosecutors now have recommended a 10-year prison sentence. Since Matheny's conviction, Lincoln County Sheriff Jerry Bowman, County Commissioner Thomas Ramey and County Clerk Donnie Bowman have all been highlighted in the alleged conspiracy.