The United States Attorney’s Office has filed a civil lawsuit against John R. Fox and his company, Fox Logging, LLC, for allegedly logging approximately 10 acres of timber on the Monongahela National Forest near Slaty Fork.
According to the complaint, Fox and his Valley Bend-based company submitted paperwork to timber 319 acres of private property adjoining the Monongahela National Forest in Pocahontas County. Fox purportedly began logging in 2015 and continued until at least 2019. During this period, the logging operations allegedly encroached on the forest, resulting in the destruction of over 45,500 cubic feet of mature hardwood and pine saw timber valued at nearly $28,000. Additionally, Fox was accused of damaging and removing timber from nearby private property.
Under West Virginia state law, the government is seeking $80,189.04 in monetary damages from Fox and Fox Logging, LLC, in addition to compensatory and punitive damages. The trial is scheduled to begin on October 20, 2025, at the United States Courthouse in Elkins.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maximillian Nogay filed the complaint on behalf of the government. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service conducted the investigation.
This case falls under the U.S. Attorney’s Office Environmental Justice Initiative, which encourages public reporting of suspected environmental violations. Reports can be submitted to USAWVN.EJ@usdoj.gov or by calling 304-234-0100. More information is available at www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/environmental-justice-and-enforcement.
