MERCER COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Mercer County man is accused of choking a child and subjecting children inside a Green Valley home to repeated physical and emotional abuse, according to a complaint filed with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began January 27, 2026, after family members reported concerns about alleged ongoing abuse involving children who primarily lived with their mother at a residence in the Green Valley area.
According to the complaint, investigators identified Justin England, who had reportedly lived at the residence for approximately two years, as the person accused of the abuse.
Family members told investigators they had become increasingly concerned after the children repeatedly described England yelling at them and using harsh forms of punishment. They alleged the behavior had been occurring for approximately a year and had escalated over time.
One child reportedly disclosed that England would wake another child by throwing cold water on him. Family members also alleged one of the children was forced to stand in a corner for extended periods as punishment for wetting the bed.
According to investigators, family members previously confronted the children’s mother about the allegations. They reported that afterward, the children became noticeably quieter and more withdrawn and allegedly said they were not allowed to discuss what happened inside the home.
The complaint also describes an incident in which a family member noticed what appeared to be patterned injuries on one child’s arm. Investigators were shown a photograph that reportedly depicted red marks and abrasions wrapping around and underneath the arm, including three distinct lines of injury.
The child’s mother reportedly claimed the injury occurred when the child fell onto a dog cage.
The allegations became more serious following another visit, when one child allegedly disclosed that England had picked him up by the throat while he was being punished in a corner.
According to the complaint, the child said he was unable to breathe during the alleged incidents and claimed they occurred when his mother was not in the room.
When asked why he had not previously told anyone, investigators said the child responded that his mother “doesn’t care.” The child reportedly said he finally disclosed what was happening because he “can’t take it anymore.”
Another child allegedly told investigators she was afraid of England and had heard the other child screaming while being punished.
During a later forensic interview at Child Protect of Mercer County, the child reportedly alleged that England had grabbed him by the throat and lifted him off the ground on more than one occasion.
The child told investigators he could not breathe, began coughing and urinated on himself during one of the alleged incidents, according to the complaint.
Another child reportedly told interviewers she witnessed England pick the child up by his throat.
Investigators later spoke with England at his residence. According to the complaint, he denied choking the child and also denied disciplining or tickling either child.
Authorities said those statements allegedly contradicted statements made by the children as well as text messages provided to investigators regarding discipline inside the home.
The allegations contained in the complaint have not been proven in court. England is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
