Braxton County, WV (WOAY) – A Braxton County couple is being held on child neglect charges without bond.
According to a media release, on Thursday August 7, 2025, Troopers with the Sutton Detachment of the West Virginia State Police were informed about an anonymous letter sent to Braxton County Circuit Judge Michael Asbury.
The letter alleged that several children were being forced to live in deplorable conditions and suffering from neglect.
Troopers began conducting multiple interviews and the investigation led them to a residence in the Erbacon community of Braxton County.
Once arriving at the residence Troopers discovered two children in the custody of 51-year-old Mary Bragg and 58-year-old James Bragg.
According to the release, both individuals were allegedly under the influence of controlled substances. The children were living in deplorable conditions, with excessive trash and cockroach infestations throughout the home.
The juveniles told Troopers that they had been allegedly forced to smoke illicit drugs by the Braggs. As a result, Mary and James Bragg were arrested and charged with multiple felony counts of Child Neglect.
The juveniles were evaluated by medical staff at a nearby facility and later taken into custody by Personnel from Child Protective Services (CPS).Â
Mary and James Bragg are currently being held at
Central Regional Jail without bond.
