KANAWHA FALLS, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Fayette County woman was arrested Thursday evening after deputies say she assaulted two household members during a domestic disturbance at a Kanawha Falls residence.
According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported domestic disturbance at approximately 6:06 p.m. on June 25 at a home on Kanawha Falls Road.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with Roberta Bickford, who was identified as the defendant. Investigators reported detecting a strong odor of alcohol coming from Bickford and noted that she was slurring her speech and appeared to be intoxicated.
Deputies then interviewed the two alleged victims, who told investigators they all lived together at the residence and were considered household members under West Virginia law.
According to the criminal complaint, one of the victims had just returned home from Fayetteville and was standing outside with friends who had stopped by the residence. The victim said Bickford came outside, began yelling profanities, and made obscene gestures toward the group.
The complaint states that the confrontation continued after several people walked to the side of the residence to retrieve caged chickens for their pastor. Investigators say Bickford again approached the group while shouting insults and profanity before allegedly throwing her cellular phone, striking one of the victims in the arm and wrist.
The victim told deputies that when she bent down to pick up the phone, Bickford grabbed her arm in an attempt to take it back. She also alleged that Bickford accused her of inappropriate conduct to fund an upcoming mission trip and threatened to prevent her from attending.
During the altercation, deputies say Bickford also struck the second victim in the face with an open hand.
Investigators reported observing redness on the second victim’s nose that was consistent with the allegations. Deputies also recovered the cellphone allegedly used during the incident and took possession of it as evidence.
Audio-recorded statements were obtained from both alleged victims, and deputies said the accounts corroborated one another.
Based on the statements, physical evidence, observed injuries, and the fact that all parties were household members living together, deputies arrested Bickford.
She has been charged with two counts of Domestic Battery.
The charges are allegations, and Bickford is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
