---
title: "Mark Sorsaia | KnowJudges"
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updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Mark Sorsaia

West Virginia Circuit Court, Putnam County · Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: West Virginia Circuit Court, Putnam County
- State: West Virginia
- Role: Circuit Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-07-27

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- In summary: Judge Mark Sorsaia was a long‐time Putnam County prosecutor, state Homeland Security secretary, and circuit judge, but stepped down in 2026 due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, leaving a lasting mark on West Virginia’s legal community
- Putnam County Circuit Judge Mark A. Sorsaia resigned on July 31, 2026, after being diagnosed with early‐stage Alzheimer’s disease, ending a career that spanned nearly 28 years as Putnam County’s prosecuting attorney, service as West Virginia’s Homeland Security secretary, and judicial service.
- Mark A. Sorsaia was appointed to the 7th Judicial Circuit Court of West Virginia (covering Putnam County) by Governor Jim Justice on November 6, 2024, filling a vacancy left by Judge Joseph K. Reeder
- Putnam County Prosecuting Attorney (1996–2023) — elected to five terms after starting as assistant prosecutor in 1988.

### Education

- B.A. in Political Science and Public Administration from West Virginia University (1981) and a J.D. from Ohio Northern University’s Claude W. Pettit College of Law (1984).

### Additional information

- Later elected to a full eight‐year term in May 2026.
- In mid‐July 2026, Sorsaia announced he had been recently diagnosed with early‐stage Alzheimer’s disease, which he said would affect his ability to continue serving as a judge.
- He stepped down on the last day of July 2026, after having run for re‐election earlier in the year.
- WVU bachelor1981, Ohio Northern JD1984, bar1984 and 2026 resignation; these additional claims remain candidates.
- Announcement states circuit renumbering to7 effective January2025.
- Governor announcement dated October16,2024 appoints Mark Sorsaia to Putnam County29thCircuit, replacing Joseph K.Reeder.
- West Virginia Secretary of Homeland Security (2023–2024).

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### camera and audio equipment

Scope: statewide

West Virginia Trial Court Rule 8 makes courtroom camera and audio equipment subject to the presiding circuit judge's or magistrate's permission.

Evidence excerpt: Cameras and audio equipment may be permitted in and around the courtrooms at the discretion of each presiding circuit judge or magistrate.

[West Virginia Trial Court Rules, Rule 8: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://www.courtswv.gov/legal-community/court-rules/wv-trial-court-rules-contents)
Source checked: 2026-07-27

### advance media request timing

Scope: statewide

West Virginia Trial Court Rule 8 directs the presiding officer to decide requests for camera or audio coverage made at least one day before the proceeding, and lack of advance approval may preclude use.

Evidence excerpt: Requests made by a party or any other person at least one day in advance of the proceedings.

[West Virginia Trial Court Rules, Rule 8: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://www.courtswv.gov/legal-community/court-rules/wv-trial-court-rules-contents)
Source checked: 2026-07-27


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/court-information-county/circuit-judges/judge-mark-sorsaia)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/court-information-county/circuit-judges/judge-mark-sorsaia)
- [West Virginia Judiciary official judicial roster](https://www.courtswv.gov/public-resources/court-information-county/circuit-judges/judge-mark-sorsaia)
- [West Virginia Trial Court Rules, Rule 8: Media Coverage of Court Proceedings](https://www.courtswv.gov/legal-community/court-rules/wv-trial-court-rules-contents)
- [Official current-roster or retirement correction](https://governor.wv.gov/article/judicial-vacancy-advisory-commission-accepting-applications-seventh-judicial-circuit)
- [governorjustice.wv.gov](https://governorjustice.wv.gov/News/press-releases/2024/Pages/Gov.-Justice-appoints-Mark-Sorsaia-as-Circuit-Court-Judge-in-Putnam-County,-names-Robert-Cunningham-acting-Secretary-of-Hom.aspx)
- [www.courtswv.gov](https://www.courtswv.gov/sites/default/pubfilesmnt/2024-11/20241113SorsaiaInvestiture.pdf)
- [www.hurricanebreezenews.com](https://www.hurricanebreezenews.com/2026/07/22/circuit-court-judge-sorsaia-resigns/)

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