MCDOWELL COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office has arrested an English, West Virginia man following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a juvenile female.
On June 7, 2026, deputies responded to a residence in the English area of McDowell County regarding a reported sexual assault involving a 14-year-old female. Deputies, along with Child Protective Services personnel, conducted interviews and initiated an investigation into the allegations.
The investigation was led by a member of the newly established McDowell County / Wyoming County Crimes Against Children Task Force.
During the course of the investigation, the juvenile victim reported that she had been sexually assaulted by an adult male. Investigators obtained statements from the victim, witnesses, and the accused individual.
Following interviews and the development of probable cause, deputies arrested Bobby Jim Kennedy and transported him to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office for processing.
Kennedy has been charged with:
* Sexual Assault in the Second Degree
* Child Sexual Abuse by a Guardian
* Child Abuse Creating Risk of Injury
* Sexual Abuse in the First Degree
* Providing Alcohol to a Minor
The alleged offenses occurred in the English area of McDowell County. Sheriff’s officials emphasize that all criminal charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This investigation remains active and ongoing.
