WYOMING COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Wyoming County man has been arrested after a Child Protective Services (CPS) referral led to an investigation involving allegations of sexual abuse of a minor.
According to the West Virginia State Police, the investigation began on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, after a referral indicated that a 9-year-old girl had told a classmate she had been sexually assaulted.
Troopers responded to a residence to speak with the child and her guardian. During the initial interview, the child confirmed she had made the statement and identified the accused as Jerry Dempsey. She told investigators she was afraid of him and reported that the incident occurred in 2023 when she was 7 years old. The child said the alleged abuse took place inside a residence and that she would “never forget it.”
Authorities noted the initial interaction was recorded on a body-worn camera. Investigators also confirmed that Dempsey had previously stayed at the residence.
A forensic interview was arranged the same evening at a child advocacy center in Pineville. During that interview, the child disclosed that Dempsey allegedly placed his fingers inside her clothing. The interview was later stopped after the child became distressed and chose not to continue.
Troopers later located Dempsey, who denied the allegations and declined to provide a statement. He was taken into custody without incident and transported for processing.
He has been charged with first-degree sexual abuse.
