RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Raleigh County man is facing felony charges following an investigation into allegations involving a young child.
According to criminal complaints filed in Raleigh County Magistrate Court, 29-year-old Ronald Preston Mitchem, of Coal City, is charged with first-degree sexual abuse and sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian or person in a position of trust.
The investigation began June 10 after the Raleigh County Emergency Operations Center received a report alleging that a 4-year-old child had been sexually abused, according to the complaints.
Investigators with the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office allege the incident occurred during the summer of 2024 while Mitchem was babysitting the child.
Court documents state the child later participated in a forensic interview at a Child Advocacy Center, where investigators say the child provided information about the alleged abuse.
Mitchem was interviewed by investigators on July 9. According to the criminal complaint, Mitchem acknowledged that he had babysat the child but denied having any inappropriate or sexual contact with the child.
Based on the investigation, authorities sought charges against Mitchem. A magistrate found probable cause and issued warrants in the case on July 28.
He’s currently at Southern Regional Jail on a $225,000 bond.
The charges against Mitchem are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
