CHARLESTON, West Virginia, May 31 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia issued the following news release:

Charles Hatfield, 61, of Williamson, pleaded guilty today to theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds. Hatfield, who recently resigned as mayor of Williamson, admitted that while chief executive officer of Williamson Memorial Hospital he stole $34,872.62 in hospital funds for personal use and without authorization.