GREENBRIER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office has issued a statement regarding the investigation and conviction of former deputy sheriff Christopher W. Bennett.
Bennett, who served as a deputy sheriff, became the subject of an investigation by the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources in December 2023 following allegations of sexual assault and abuse.
Upon learning of the allegations, the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office immediately placed Bennett on administrative leave to protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure public safety.
An internal investigation was also launched by the sheriff’s office, which resulted in Bennett’s resignation in January 2024. To avoid conflicts of interest, the criminal investigation was conducted entirely by external agencies.
The investigation led to criminal charges against Bennett, culminating in his guilty plea on January 3, 2025, in Greenbrier County Circuit Court to charges of first-degree sexual abuse.
The Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office condemned Bennett’s actions, stating that they “violate the principles of integrity, trust, and service” upheld by the department.
“The actions of Christopher W. Bennett are reprehensible and do not reflect the values of the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office or the dedicated deputies who serve this community with honor and professionalism every day,” Chief Deputy Joshua Martin.
“We will not tolerate that behavior in Greenbrier County. Our thoughts remain with the victim and their family, and we extend our deepest sympathies during this difficult time. The safety and well-being of our citizens are our utmost priority, and we remain committed to ensuring accountability at all levels.”
In response to the incident, the sheriff’s office is reviewing internal policies and implementing additional training and oversight measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The department acknowledged the bravery of the victim in coming forward and encouraged others in need of support to seek assistance through local resources, including the WV Department of Health and Human Resources, Child Youth Advocacy Center, and Family Refuge Center.
