OCEANA, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Wyoming County man is facing multiple felony charges after state troopers investigated a domestic incident that escalated into allegations of long-term sexual abuse.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, around 6:24 p.m., a West Virginia State Trooper responded to the Dollar General in Oceana for a report of a physical domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, the trooper met with Oceana Police Assistant Chief B. Toler and the alleged victim. Assistant Chief Toler determined the incident had actually occurred in the Jesse area, outside of his jurisdiction, and the case was turned over to state police.
Following the investigation, troopers arrested Travis Covert on charges of Domestic Battery and Malicious Assault. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and later transported to the hospital for medical evaluation.
Two days later, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, the victim met with investigators and advocates at Stop the Hurt in Pineville for a more detailed interview. According to the victim, the accused had dragged her by the hair back into their home, choked her until she nearly lost consciousness, and threatened to kill her if she ever tried to leave — leading investigators to add Kidnapping and Strangulation charges.
During the interview, the victim also disclosed a history of sexual abuse, alleging that the accused had been assaulting her since she was about 14 years old. She reported four separate sexual assaults in the past year at their home in Jesse — one involving digital penetration and three involving rape. Authorities confirmed that the accused is related to the victim, resulting in additional charges of Incest and Second-Degree Sexual Assault.
The trooper filed a criminal complaint requesting arrest warrants for:
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Four counts of Incest (W.Va. Code 61-8-12(b))
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Four counts of Second-Degree Sexual Assault (W.Va. Code 61-8B-4(a)(1))
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Kidnapping (W.Va. Code 61-2-14a(a)(2))
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Strangulation (W.Va. Code 61-2-9d(b))
The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.
