DANIELS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Raleigh County man is under investigation following allegations of sexual abuse involving two juvenile victims. Deputies from the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched on December 3, 2024, to a residence in Daniels after receiving a report of a sexual assault not in progress.
Mother Reports Abuse Allegations
Upon arrival, deputies spoke with the victim’s mother, the complainant, and the mother of one of the victims. She stated that she returned home in the afternoon and found her son visibly shaken after taking a shower. When she asked him what was wrong, he told her that Joseph Wayne McKinney had been at the residence without his knowledge and had inappropriately touched him before leaving.
The victim’s brother was also home at the time of the incident but was unaware of what had transpired, as he had been playing video games. However, he confirmed that he saw McKinney leaving the residence and recalled that McKinney told him he loved him and wished him a good day.
Forensic Interviews Reveal Further Allegations
On December 9, 2024, a forensic interview was conducted with the victim., during which he provided further details about the alleged assault. He stated that McKinney followed him into his bedroom, forcibly touched him, and engaged in other inappropriate acts. He emphasized that he did not welcome the behavior.
Another forensic interview was conducted the same day with the victim’s brother, who disclosed that he had also been abused by McKinney approximately a year prior, in September or October 2023. He stated that while staying overnight at McKinney’s home, McKinney touched him inappropriately and attempted to bribe him with a new Xbox in exchange for his silence.
McKinney Denies Allegations
Authorities interviewed McKinney on December 9, 2024. He initially denied being at the residence but later admitted he had stopped by to use the bathroom while on his way to an adult store in Ghent to buy a sex toy for his husband. He denied any inappropriate contact with the juveniles. However, McKinney did confirm that both boys had previously stayed overnight at his home, around the same time frame that the alleged abuse had occurred.
Ongoing Investigation
Raleigh County authorities are continuing to investigate the case, with all reported incidents occurring within the county. Law enforcement is working to ensure justice for the victims as they continue gathering evidence.
