BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A statement from the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security (WVDHS) on Monday confirms that the employment of the two former Southern Regional Jail officers accused of perpetrating a structure fire at 161 Crestview Drive last week has been terminated.
The statement, issued by WVDHS Secretary Robert Cunningham, indicates that, while the alleged perpetrators were employees with the WVDCR at the time of the incident, their employment has been terminated as of Monday.
“The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, has been actively working with the West Virginia Fire Marshal, the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (WVDCR) Criminal Investigation Unit, regarding the arrest of two individuals related to the fire on October 20, 2024, on Crestview Drive in Beckley, W.Va,” the statement read.
“David W. Cole, 30, and Billy R. Workman Jr., 24, of Beckley, both employees of Southern Regional Jail and Correctional Facility, were employed by WVDCR at the time of their arrests. Today, however, they are no longer part of the organization and their employment has been terminated.”
The statement goes on to stress the importance of respecting the legal process with regard to those involved in illegal activity.
“As this is an ongoing investigation and a personnel issue, we cannot share additional information at this time. It is crucial to acknowledge that anyone charged with a crime has the right to a complete legal process as outlined in the U.S. Constitution,” Cunningham said.
“The Department of Homeland Security is dedicated to ensuring public safety, building trust within the community and pursuing our mission in the state.”
Though two individuals of having been involved in the incident have been taken into custody, any apparent motive for the crime has yet to be revealed at the time of writing.
