Building Safer and Connected Communities

Discover how advanced technology is revolutionizing law enforcement and public communication, fostering safer and more informed communities. Our unwavering commitment revolves around keeping you up-to-date with the latest law enforcement developments and related news, all made possible by cutting-edge technology. As a vital contributor to the safety of Putnam County, your role is pivotal – share any information about potential criminal activities, and we’ll promptly relay it to the appropriate authorities for investigation. Your feedback on the functioning of our law enforcement community is highly valued, as it plays a crucial part in enhancing our operations and serving you better.

Meet Kristina Raynes

On August 29, 2023, Kristina “Kris” Raynes was sworn in as Putnam County’s first female prosecuting attorney. Raynes was appointed after the previous prosecuting attorney, Mark A. Sorsaia, left to take a cabinet position as the Secretary of Homeland Security for West Virginia.

Kris Raynes is a 1992 graduate of Buffalo (Putnam) High School and a 1996 graduate of Marshall University.  She attended the University of Akron School of Law where she participated in their nationally recognized mock trial team and graduated in 2000.  In 2006, Kris took a grant-funded position with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia handling high-intensity drug cases.  Kris became an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Putnam County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney in Winfield, West Virginia in 2008, where she handles various cases ranging from lower-level drug cases to aggravated felonies and murders.  Kris also specializes in handling most of the child abuse and child sexual abuse cases in her office.

Kris instructs prosecutors, social workers, and police on legal issues, corroboration, and courtroom testimony involving forensic interviewing of abused children for ChildFirst© in West Virginia. She has been instructing on behalf of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) since 2006. She previously has presented in San Diego, California, and in Anchorage, Alaska, and enjoys teaching and training America’s young prosecutors how to effectively try their cases.

Kris also serves as secretary of the Putnam County Republican Executive Committee and the West Virginia State Republican Executive Committees. She also was honored to be recognized as the 2017 Putnam County Republican Woman of the Year and in 2020 as the James H. Caruthers Outstanding Republican of the Year. Also in 2020, Kris was honored to receive an appointment from Governor Jim Justice to be a West Virginia Housing Development Fund board member.

Elizabeth Sunyog

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Marian Smith

Director of Victim Services

Elissa Shell

Legal Assistant