United States Files Complaint Against Logger and Logging Company for Timber Trespass on Monongahela National Forest

WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA - The United States Attorney's Office has filed a civil lawsuit against a Randolph County logger and logging company for trespassing and cutting down approximately 10 acres of timber on the Monongahela National Forest near Slaty Fork.

According to the complaint, John R. Fox and Fox Logging, LLC, of Valley Bend, West Virginia, submitted paperwork to timber 319 acres of private property that borders the Monongahela National Forest in Pocahontas County. Fox allegedly began logging in 2015 and continued until at least 2019. During that time, the logging operation is alleged to have encroached on nearly 10 acres of the Forest, resulting in timbering of more than 45,500 cubic feet of mature hardwood and pine saw timber valued at nearly $28,000. Fox was also accused of damaging and taking timber from an adjacent private property.

Under West Virginia state law, the government is seeking $80,189.04 in monetary damages from Fox and Fox Logging, LLC, as well as compensatory and punitive damages. Trial is scheduled to begin on October 20, 2025, at the United States Courthouse in Elkins, WV.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Maximillian Nogay filed the complaint on behalf of the government.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service investigated.

This case was investigated as a part of the U.S. Attorney's Office Environmental Justice Initiative. The United States Attorney's Office encourages the public to report suspected environmental violations within the district. Reports may be submitted to [email protected] or by calling 304-234-0100. For more information, go to www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/environmental-justice-and-enforcement.