Sources reported that on February 10, staff members at the Doddridge County Early Learning Academy in West Union, West Virginia, contacted law enforcement after allegedly discovering cockroaches inside the backpack of a student. The authorities stated that school employees also reportedly saw what appeared to be bug bites on the boy’s face, hands, and lower body. In addition, the child’s sister, who is also a student at the school, allegedly told a teacher that her clothing was very dirty and asked if they would help her wash it. School officials reportedly became concerned about the children’s overall hygiene and well-being.
Deputies with the Doddridge County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the situation and later referred the matter to Child Protective Services. Authorities stated that a CPS representative visited the family’s home and allegedly found what was described as extremely poor and unsanitary living conditions. Following that visit, both children were reportedly removed from the residence and placed in the care of CPS.
On February 12, the man and woman were both taken into custody and booked into the North Central Regional Jail. They are each facing multiple preliminary charges, including two counts of gross neglect of a child creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury. According to reports, at the time this was written, they were each being held in lieu of $20,000 bonds. It was also noted that they both pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Additional information about the case has not currently been released.
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