MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Mercer County grand jury has indicted Christopher Chad Butler, a former Princeton Police Department officer, on multiple charges, including sexual abuse by a person in a position of trust and gross neglect of a child creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.
Indictment Details
According to the indictment, Butler, who served as a school resource officer at Princeton Senior High School, is accused of engaging in or attempting to engage in sexual intercourse with a minor student under his temporary care between August 1, 2023, and January 9, 2024. The charges allege that Butler violated West Virginia Code § 61-8D-5(a), which prohibits sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in a position of trust to a child.
In a separate count, Butler is also charged with gross neglect of a child creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury. The indictment states that on or about September 16, 2023, Butler allegedly allowed an unidentified female child to brandish a pistol in a manner that endangered herself and others. This act, prosecutors argue, demonstrated a clear disregard for the safety and welfare of the child and others present, violating West Virginia Code § 61-8D-4(c).
Legal Proceedings
The indictment follows an investigation by the West Virginia State Police, with testimony provided by Sgt. J.B. Yeager before the grand jury. Butler’s alleged actions have sparked community concern, particularly regarding the safety of students in school environments.
Authorities have not yet disclosed Butler’s current employment status or whether he has retained legal representation. If convicted, he faces severe legal consequences, including potential prison time.
The FBI is seeking information about the case.
Princeton Police Chief John Howell told Eyewitness News that he was informed of a West Virginia State Police investigation into Christopher Chad Butler in January 2024. At the time, Butler was serving as a sergeant with the police department while also working security at Princeton Senior High School. Howell stated that Butler was placed on administrative leave the following day and later resigned from the department in February 2024, before the criminal investigation concluded. The case was then assigned to a special prosecutor from Monroe County, ultimately resulting in Butler’s indictment this week.
Earlier this month, a former Princeton High School Coach was arrested for sex crimes. It’s not known if the cases are related.
