West Virginia pastor charged with 190 counts of child sexual abuse

In West Virginia, a troubling case has emerged as youth pastor John W. Radcliff II, aged 57, has been arrested on 190 serious charges, which include sexual assault, sexual abuse, and incest. These allegations span three counties—Braxton, Lewis, and Harrison—and date back over three decades. Many of the charges involve relatives of the accused, raising concerns about long-standing abuse that may have gone unreported until now. As state police continue their investigation, more alleged victims are beginning to come forward, indicating a disturbing pattern of abuse. John Radcliff is currently being held on a substantial bond of $1.7 million, while his wife, Kathy Radcliff, 52, has been charged as an accomplice for her alleged knowledge of the abuse, with a bond set at $75,000. Their current incarceration is at the Central Regional Jail in Sutton, where John Radcliff recently appeared for a preliminary hearing in Lewis County Magistrate Court. The accusation against Radcliff includes allegations involving five nieces, with events occurring between 1987 and 1996, indicating a significant span of alleged victimization that was reportedly unrelated to his role as a youth pastor. A prior investigation into John Radcliff's actions had been initiated by another trooper in 2004, although it is unclear why no charges were filed at that time. Legal representation for Radcliff has indicated his firm stance on innocence and eagerness to defend himself against the charges. The ongoing nature of the investigation has led authorities to seek clarification on the previous case from 2004 and why it was not adequately pursued at that time, demonstrating a commitment to uncovering the truth in this complex and harrowing case.