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Mercer County man charged with sex crimes against an incapacitated female

By
Phillip Copney
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Princeton, WV (WOAY) – A Mercer County man is in jail for an alleged sex crime against a person living with developmental disabilities.

According to magistrate court records, the investigation began in June of 2025 when deputies responded to an indecent exposure complaint at a Mercer County trailer park. According to court documents, a neighbor recorded video evidence of a male later identified as 20-year-old Charles Leslie Keffer, and a female engaged in sex acts in the front yard. Deputies later determined that the female in the videos is autistic, and court documents name her mother as legal guardian due to her intellectual condition.

According to deputies, Keffer declined the opportunity to make a voluntary statement. Deputies obtained a search warrant and collected swabs for DNA evidence. As a result of forensic testing, male DNA evidence was recovered on multiple swabs. On December 10, 2025, the West Virginia State Police Crime Lab reported the male DNA profile was a consistent match with the DNA sample collected from Keffer.

Investigators also had to the opportunity to conduct a forensic with the alleged victim. According to court records, the victim said she was sexually assaulted. Investigators considered the victim mentally impaired and that Keffer would have known of her limitations.

Charles Leslie Keffer is charged with sexual assault in the third degree and sexual abuse in the second degree.

He remains in the Southern Regional Jail under a $50,000 bond.

 

 

 

Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney: Gatewood crash investigation proceeding, hindered by driver injuries

By
Micah Leith
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FAYETTEVILLE, WV, (WOAY) – Fayette County Prosecuting Attorney Anthony Ciliberti, Jr., says that an investigation is underway after a fiery crash on Christmas Eve that saw a car slam into the side of a house on Gatewood Rd.

According to Ciliberti, the driver of the car was ejected and taken to the hospital for treatment. The car hit a utility pole before hitting the house.

Watch Newswatch’s interview with the homeowner here.

Because of the driver’s injuries, Ciliberti says the investigating officer was unable to evaluate the driver on scene or conduct a complete investigation at the scene of the accident. However, he says the Fayette County Sheriff’s office is progressing the investigation as quickly as possible under the circumstances.

Once the investigation is complete, the police report will be reviewed, and his office will determine whether to file charges against the driver.

He is asking for the public’s patience as the investigation continues.

Mercer County 911 seeking helping locating suspects after shoplifting altercation

By
Matt Rineer
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Princeton, WV (WOAY)- Authorities are seeking the public’s help in locating three individuals following an altercation in Princeton.

An officer made contact with two suspect individuals at approximately 1336 Stafford Drive, Princeton, Mercer County.

The two suspects were identified as Owynn Rodgers and Jeremy Henry. The two became combative during the officer’s investigation of shoplifting. (Both pictured below.)

Rodgers and Henry fled after resisting physical restraint. They then entered a black Chrysler minivan, which was operated by a third suspect who was identified as Brittany Schoolfield. The car then fled from the scene in heavy traffic.

 

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these three is asked to contact the Mercer County 911 center at 304-425-8911. You can remain anonymous.

The individuals possibly reside in the area of Beckley, and warrants have been issued.

Gov. Morrisey confirms death of miner in Lower War Eagle mine

By
Micah Leith
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CYLCONE, WV (WOAY) – Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed the death of a coal miner at Lower War Eagle Mine in Wyoming County, near the town of Cyclone.

The details at this point are still scarce.

“Each day, West Virginia miners perform difficult and demanding tasks. They do this to provide for their families, to build the communities, and to forge a better future for the next generation of West Virginians. It is that work, their strength, and their dedication that defines our state and our nation,” Governor Morrisey said. “Our hearts go out to his family, loved ones, and coworkers during this sorrowful time.”

We have learned from the Mine Safety and Health Administration that the accident type is classified as powered haulage.

The accident happened at 7:30 this morning. The controller of the mine is Colorado Coal LLC.

This has been the sixth mine fatality in West Virginia this year.

The name of the victim has not been released. We will update you as we learn more.

Supreme Court of Appeals granted a motion for direct appeal in challenge to vaccine law

By
Tygra de Mello
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Kanawha County, WV (WOAY) – The Supreme Court of Appeals granted a motion for direct appeal in a high-profile challenge to West Virginia’s vaccine law.

The Supreme Court already paused Raleigh County Circuit Judge Michael Froble’s order that unvaccinated children be allowed to enroll in public school with a religious exemption to vaccines.

In today’s order, the Supreme Court will bypass the intermediate court of appeals and hear the case directly.

The West Virginia State School Board says it is enforcing its vaccine policy while the Supreme Court considers the case.

 

 

UPDATE: Winter storm continues to affect the region

By
Jay Polk
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As of 10 p.m., the rain had changed over to snow at our Oak Hill studios, and a heavy band of snow is now affecting Beckley.
Temperatures are still in the upper 20s and lower 30s.
With the rain changing over, we can begin to estimate how much snow we think will fall around the area. We’re still going with 3-5″ along the Route 19 corridor in Raleigh, Fayette, and Nicholas Counties. Even higher totals are in the forecast for western Greenbrier and western Pocahontas Counties. There, 5-8″ of snow is expected, and there will be plenty of wind.
The combination mentioned above means that a Blizzard Warning is in effect through 10 a.m. tomorrow for those areas. Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect with the same expiration times as the Blizzard Warning for all the counties listed above, plus Summers, Mercer, Wyoming, and Tazewell Counties.
Temperature-wise, most areas are near or even a bit above freezing, making the snow heavy and wet. While that will make it tough to push around, it also means that treated roads will mainly be wet, not snow-covered. Secondary and untreated roads will be slushy and snow-covered. As the temperatures fall, the snow will become more powdery and will drift a bit in areas that see strong wind gusts. With the strong northwesterly flow, some upsloping along the spine of the Appalachians – just east of Route 19 – could enhance the snow totals a bit. It will also cause some banding of the snow showers, meaning that the snow won’t be falling constantly, but when it does, it will be heavy. This was in the forecast and accounts for the slightly higher totals there.
The snow should taper off by tomorrow morning, and we’ll see a temporary break by the afternoon.
Join us at 11 and tune in to WOAY NewsWatch Morning Edition with Meteorologist Christian Boteler for all the latest information on this latest winter storm.
For the video version of the weather, copy and paste the link below into your browser…
https://youtu.be/2hffGME9afQ

Highway closed – latest developments

By
Tygra de Mello
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Raleigh County, WV (WOAY) – First responders are still on the scene of a major tractor-trailer accident along I-64 near mile marker 137, near the New River at the foot of Sandstone Mountain.

All lanes on the highway are still closed.

Multiple local agencies are responding. Two tractor-trailers are involved.

We will update you when we learn more.

 

 

Remembering Sarah Diane Beckstrom

By
Tygra de Mello
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Wyoming County high school under precautionary lockdown

By
Phillip Copney
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Wyoming County, WV (WOAY) – Westside High School in Clear Fork, WV is under a precautionary lockdown.

According to a media release from the Wyoming County Board of Education, the was made out of an abundance of caution.

Officials with the Board of Education tell WOAY that students and safe are safe, secure and not in any danger. The school was placed under temporary lockdown status in response to an outside threat and not a situation involving the school itself.

WOAY will bring you more details on the ongoing lockdown as they become available.

Braxton County pastor accused of making “inappropriate physical contact”

By
Phillip Copney
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Braxton County, WV (WOAY) – A Braxton County pastor is facing charges after allegations of “inappropriate physical contact.”

52-year-old Jason Allen of Flatwoods was charged on Monday, November 17, 2025, with a single count of battery. The alleged incident happened at a church in Sutton where Allen serves as pastor.

According to a media release from the West Virginia State Police, a church member reported that Jason Allen made physical contact that was “sexually motivated” during a marital counseling meeting at the church.

Allen was arraigned and released on a $5,000 bond.

 

Multiple people arrested in Wyoming County drug bust

By
Phillip Copney
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Wyoming County, WV (WOAY) – Wyoming County drug investigation results in the arrest of multiple suspects.

According to a media release from the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office working with multiple law enforcement agencies executed two search warrants related to felony drug offenses in the Oceana and Lynco areas of Wyoming County.

The following individuals were arrested and charged:

  • Jeremy Scott Justice – Delivery of Fentanyl, Delivery of Methamphetamine, Drug Conspiracy
  • Christopher Michael Hatfield – Delivery of Fentanyl, Delivery of Methamphetamine
  • Shenna Griffith – Delivery of Fentanyl, Drug Conspiracy
  • James Milford Hicks – Delivery of Fentanyl, Delivery of Methamphetamine, Drug Conspiracy
  • Effie Mae Gibson – Delivery of Fentanyl, Delivery of Methamphetamine, Drug Conspiracy
  • Troy Calloway Morgan – Possession with intent to Deliver Fentanyl, Possession with intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Drug Conspiracy, Bond Violation
  • Shannon Rae Lusk – Possession with intent to Deliver Fentanyl, Possession with intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Drug Conspiracy

The suspects listed above were arraigned in Wyoming County Magistrate where bonds were set ranging from $200.000 cash to $300,000.

 

 

 

Update: Suspected vial of fentanyl discovered in trick or treat basket linked to medical facility

By
Micah Leith
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BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – Detectives say they have figured out where a prescription fentanyl vial found in a trick-or-treat basket in Beckley came from.

According to a media release from the Beckley Police Department, the small vial was found in a trick-or-treat basket. It contains an unknown substance and has a label that identifies the substance as fentanyl.

Officers have now tracked the origin of that vial to a local medical facility. The name of that facility has not been released to protect the integrity of the investigation, but officers say the facility is fully cooperating.

Beckley Police Deputy Chief David Allard said that evidence does not suggest the act was intentional or an attempt to harm anyone. Because the substance is a liquid, it cannot be analyzed with a field test and will be sent to a state or federal laboratory for testing.

We will continue to follow this story and update you as we learn more.

Beckley Police investigate suspicious trick-or-treat item

By
Phillip Copney
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Beckley, WV (WOAY) – A local police department is investigating a suspicious discovery that occurred on Halloween night.

According to a media release from the Beckley Police Department, a small vial was discovered in a trick or treat basket on Friday, October 31, 2025. The vial contained an unknown substance labeled as fentanyl.

According to officers, the item was promptly reported by a parent without incident. The vial was secured by an officer and will be sent for laboratory analysis, and the investigation is being handled by our Detective Bureau.

Officers with the Beckley Police Department urge parents to inspect all Halloween treats.

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the department or Crime Stoppers of West Virginia via their free P3 Tips mobile application.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

West Virginia National Guard activated to support food distribution efforts

By
Phillip Copney
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Charleston, WV (WOAY) – The West Virginia National Guard is being activated to assist communities with food relief efforts as funding for SNAP benefits runs out on Saturday.

According to a media release from the National Guard, 200 service members have received authorization from West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey to provide logistical support as well as personnel to food banks and pantries throughout the state.

“We stand ready to support our state partner agencies, local food banks and non-profit organizations with critical logistical support to keep food on the table for West Virginia families,” WVNG Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward said in the news release.

The West Virginia National Guard’s duties while deployed may also include assisting with receiving, sorting, packaging and distributing food; managing traffic and crowds; providing logistical support; and ensuring safe, orderly and dignified distribution, according to the news release.

The WVNG has was worked with partner agencies and non-profits such as Facing Hunger Food Bank, Mountaineer Food Bank, West Virginia Dept. Of Agriculture and the West Virginia Dept. of Human Services.

Anyone in need of assistance can call 211 or visit wv211.org for food assistance and local pantry information. You can also contact your local Family Resource Network for support.

 

Oak Hill Middle School Principal facing criminal charges

By
Phillip Copney
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Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – A Fayette County Schools employee has been arrested on multiple charges involving the misuse of school funds.

According to court records, Oak Hill Middle School Principal Chad Quesenberry was arrested and charged with money related crimes by the West Virginia State Police on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

The allegations outlined in the criminal complaint were brought to the attention of WVSP by Fayette County Superintendent David Warvel and members of the Fayette County Board of Education.

40-year-old Chad Morgan Quesenberry of Beckley is charged with one count of embezzlement, one count of attempted embezzlement, one count of fraudulent schemes, and one count of obtaining money under false pretense.

Quesenberry is also charged with 12 counts of falsifying account record by public employee and 13 counts of access device fraud.

He appeared in Fayette County Magistrate Court for arraignment and is free on $30,000 bond awaiting a preliminary hearing date.

 

 

 

 

Kanawha County volunteer fire official charged with embezzlement

By
Phillip Copney
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Charleston, WV (WOAY) – An officer with a Kanawha County volunteer fire department is facing charged for allegedly embezzling thousands of dollars over the course of several years.

According to a media release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, 59-year-old Robert “Robbie” Evans of Boomer has been charged with one count of felony embezzlement from the Handley Volunteer Fire Department. Evans served the fire department as treasurer. He was arrested on Tuesday October 29, 2025, by members of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.

According to investigators with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, $95,000 was withdrawn from multiple ATMs from the general account for the department beginning in January of 2023.

Deputies said Evans possessed an unauthorized debit card for the department.

Investigators noted the account had a beginning balance of $22,000 in January 2023 and only had $142.00 in June of this year.

Between 2022 and 2025, records indicate the Kanawha County Commission has issued checks to the department in excess of $120,000 to the Handley Volunteer Fire Department.

Investigators say the case remains open and additional charges are possible.

Evans’ bond was set at $100,000 or 10% cash. He is being held in the South-Central Regional Jail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 6.

Greenbrier County man arrested on drug charges

By
Phillip Copney
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Greenbrier County, WV (WOAY) – A Greenbrier County man has been arrested for allegedly committing multiple crimes.

According to a media release from Greenbrier County Sheriff Bart Baker, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, deputies obtained a warrant and conducted a search at a home on Pleasant Lane in Renick, WV.

As a result of the search deputies discovered 17 grams of methamphetamine, five grams of fentanyl, 20 grams of marijuana and 40 grams of a substance that was believed to be fentanyl. The search also yielded digital scales and other drug paraphernalia that deputies catalogued as evidence.

According to the media release, investigators conducted interview with several subjects that were staying at the home, two of which gave statements that the homeowner, identified as Obie Bennett, had supplied them with methamphetamine in exchange for work around the residence.

49-year-old Obie Neal Bennett, Jr. of Renick, WV is charged with three counts of Possession with the Intent to Deliver Narcotics, two counts of Delivery of Methamphetamine and one charge of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.

Obie Bennett is currently being held in Southern Regional Jail under a $30,000 bond.

Fire reported at Quality Inn in Fayetteville

By
Tygra de Mello
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Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – Fayette County first responders were at the scene of the Quality Inn in Fayetteville for a reported fire.

Fayette County dispatch told us that there were no injuries.

Our team on the ground saw members of Fayetteville, Oak Hill, Mount Hope, Nuttall, and Ansted fire departments on the scene, as well as the Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Police Station, and Jan Care Ambulance.

The initial call was for a smoke investigation. We will continue to follow this story and update you as we learn more.

Beckley Police arrest suspect in fatal hit and run

By
Phillip Copney
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Beckley, WV (WOAY) – Beckley Police make arrest in hit and run fatal accident that occurred over the weekend.

According to a media release from the Beckley Police Department, 46-year-old Sherri Willis of Beckley has been charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident involving death. She was taken into custody by detectives on Monday, October 27, 2025.

On Saturday October 25, 2025, officers with the Beckley Police Department responded to a call involving a pedestrian struck by vehicle in the 3600 block of Robert C. Byrd Drive. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered 72-year-old William Clark had suffered fatal injuries as a result of being struck by a vehicle which had left the scene of the accident. Officers were unable to locate any eyewitnesses to the accident but did recover physical and video evidence of the crime.

Sherri Willis is currently being held in the Southern Regional Jail, under a $100,000 bond.

WV State Police trying to locate registered sex offender

By
Phillip Copney
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Screenshot

Beckley, WV (WOAY) – Troopers with the West Virginia State Police are asking for help from the public to locate a wanted sex offender.

According to troopers, Leslie Robinson is a registered sex offender who committed a crime with a victim who was a minor.

The last known address for Leslie Robinson was the Travelodge on Harper Road in Beckley on August 28, 2025.

Robinson is wanted for failure to register as a sex offender and could still be in the Raleigh County area.

Troopers are asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to please contact Corporal Dunn at the West Virginia State Police Beckley Detachment. 

 

 

Mercer County man indicted on first degree murder charge

By
Phillip Copney
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Mercer County, WV (WOAY) – A Mercer County man has been indicted on multiple charges including first degree murder.

WOAY has learned through court documents that a Mercer County grand jury has indicted Raheem Raquan Reed on charges including first degree murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony and conspiracy.

The charges stem from crimes that took place in Mercer County on November 17, 2022.

According to court filings the grand jury returned the indictment on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Criminal charges dismissed against former Raleigh County Prosecutor

By
Phillip Copney
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Raleigh County, WV (WOAY) – Criminal charges against a former Raleigh County prosecuting attorney have been dismissed.

Magistrates in multiple counties have dismissed criminal charges in court cases involving Benjamin Hatfield.

In Raleigh County, Hatfield was charged with one count of violation of a protective order. That charge was dismissed on Monday, September 15, 2025, by Magistrate Greg Tanner.

On June 21, 2025, Hatfield was charged with violation of a domestic violence protective order. That charge was dismissed on Friday, September 12, 2025, by Magistrate Matthew Epling.

On August 25, 2025, Hatfield was charged with a single count of intimidation of and retaliation against public officers and witnesses.

That charge was dismissed on September 12, 2025, by Magistrate Paul Blume.

In Kanawha County, Hatfield was charged with a single count of violation of a protective order.

That charge was dismissed on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, by Magistrate Joe L. Shelton.

The charges in all four of these criminal cases stem from allegations made by a person Hatfield was allegedly romantically involved with.

There are still civil cases tied to the former prosecuting attorney of Raleigh County regarding alleged misconduct while he was in office.

We will bring you more details on those cases as they become available.

Update: Missing Kanawha County teen located safely

By
Phillip Copney
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Update: An update to a story we reported on October 7, 2025, related to Kanawha County teen Riley Gibson who was reported missing.

According to a Facebook post from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, 14-year-old Riley Gibson has been located.

No other details are being released at this time.

Kanawha County, WV (WOAY) – Deputies are asking for help from the public find a teen who has been reported missing.

According to a media release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, 14-year-old Riley Gibson was last seen on Monday October 6, 2025. She was getting into a silver Chevrolet Impala at Herbert Hoover High School in the Elkview area of Kanawha County.

Deputies believe Gibson may be with an unidentified male heading toward Ohio.

Riley Gibson is 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs about 195 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black Nike sweatshirt, black leggings, a gold necklace with a heart on it and white shoes.

Deputies are asking anyone with information to contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at 304-357-0169 or call 911.

Pedestrian hit on I-77 in Fayette County

By
Phillip Copney
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Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – Expect delays on Interstate 77 due to an accident under investigation.

According to WV511, on Friday October 3, 2025, a pedestrian was hit on I-77 in Fayette County near mile maker 63 northbound.

All lanes of I-77 are being impacted due to the accident until further notice.

 

 

 

Drug investigation results in the seizure of more than 100 pounds of narcotics

By
Phillip Copney
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Charleston, WV (WOAY) – A month long drug investigation leads to the seizure of narcotics.

According to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the State Police and law enforcement in Mercer County conducted one of the single, largest drug busts in state history.

The large-scale narcotics investigation enabled law enforcement officers to seize enough fentanyl to kill more than twelve million people. According to Governor Morrisey, that number is seven times the population of West Virginia with a street value of over $825,000.

The following was seized:

54 pounds of suspected fentanyl

70 pounds of suspected crystal meth

23 pounds of suspected marijuana

15 firearms

3 brick presses

The suspects arrested in this case face drug charges including delivery of methamphetamine, delivery of fentanyl and conspiracy to deliver fentanyl. One of the suspects arrested in the case if currently on federal probation for drug charges.

According to the media release, the bricks of fentanyl seized in this case are marked with inscriptions that act as signatures for gangs and dealers seen in drug cases other parts of the country.

“If you’re a drug dealer and you’re trying to operate in West Virginia, we’re coming for you,” Morrisey said.

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WOAY-TV is a family-owned television station located in Oak Hill, WV. WOAY covers nine counties in total: Fayette, Greenbrier, Raleigh, Summers, Monroe, Mercer, Wyoming, and McDowell Counties in West Virginia and Tazewell County, Virginia.
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