ELKINS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Randolph County man is facing a felony charge after allegedly making threats against local officials and planning to attack Tygart Valley Regional Jail (TVRJ).
According to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Elkins Police Chief Travis Bennett reported on Feb. 25, 2025, that inmate Richard “Opie” Manuel had threatened to kill him, Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco, and shoot up TVRJ.
Senior Deputy T.J. Knotts responded to City Hall and TVRJ to obtain written statements from the victims.
A written statement from a TVRJ employee detailed that on Feb. 21, 2025, at approximately 1:40 p.m., Manuel claimed he had planned to buy a gun upon his release and had a list of people he intended to “take care of.”
He allegedly mentioned Chief Bennett by name, stating he had taken him to railroad tracks and assaulted him before bringing him to jail.
Manuel also allegedly referenced Mayor Marco and another individual, saying he had previously demanded their arrest.
The statement further described Manuel making a gun gesture with his hand, calling it the “smell of death,” and threatening to “shoot up” the jail.
Concerned for their safety, jail staff reported the incident to their supervisor.
Both Chief Bennett and Mayor Marco provided statements expressing concern for their safety.
Chief Bennett cited Manuel’s history with law enforcement, while Mayor Marco emphasized the impact of the threats on his and his wife’s well-being.
Following the investigation, Senior Deputy Knotts obtained a felony warrant for terroristic threats, which was served on Manuel at TVRJ.
