RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A Raleigh County woman is facing multiple charges following a Child Protective Services investigation that uncovered allegations of domestic violence, unsafe living conditions, and violations of a court order.
According to authorities, the investigation began on January 9, 2026, when officials assisted CPS in a case involving a minor child. During a forensic interview conducted at Just For Kids on January 12, the child disclosed that his mother’s boyfriend, Cody Blankenship, had been living in the home.
Investigators say Blankenship was legally prohibited from being there due to court-ordered bond conditions that barred contact with both the child and the residence.
During the interview, the child reportedly said he had been instructed by his mother not to speak about Blankenship. He also told investigators that Blankenship would hide inside the home during welfare checks by CPS or law enforcement.
The child described a frightening incident in which Blankenship allegedly pinned him down on his bed, leaving him fearful of being choked or struck. He also reported witnessing severe domestic violence between Blankenship and his mother.
Authorities say the child expressed ongoing fear in the home, reported being isolated from family members, and disclosed experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Investigators later spoke with the child’s mother, Kimberlee Brown, who stated — without being asked — that Blankenship was not living at the residence. Officials noted she appeared defensive and aggressive during questioning.
However, during the execution of a search warrant on January 16, Brown again denied Blankenship was present or had been in the home since August 2025. Investigators say they discovered men’s clothing, boots, toiletries, and a box labeled with Blankenship’s name inside the residence.
Authorities say Brown later admitted Blankenship had been living there and claimed she lied because she did not want him to return to jail.
Blankenship was subsequently located and arrested for violating his bond conditions and was taken to Southern Regional Jail.
Officials say recorded jail calls further revealed ongoing contact between Brown and Blankenship, including discussions about helping him post bond using a different name to avoid violating court-ordered no-contact conditions.
Based on the investigation, Brown is now facing:
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One count of Child Neglect Creating Risk of Injury
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Two counts of Providing False Information to Law Enforcement
Authorities allege Brown knowingly failed to protect her child from exposure to domestic violence and an unsafe living environment.
The alleged offenses occurred in Raleigh County.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
