BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – UPDATE 1/23/26: John Patrick Roark has been released on a $150,000 surety bond.
The bond was posted on Friday, January 23, and he was released.
The bond was posted by Stone Family Bail Bonds.
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UPDATE 1/16/26 at 1:50 PM: – A formal investigation launched in September 2025 alleges that a Raleigh County family with severe disabilities was exploited for financial gain through monetized social media content, according to an investigative report initiated at the request of the Raleigh County Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation began on September 10, 2025, after three members of the Whittaker family — Loraine, Timmy, and Ray Whittaker — were taken into state custody due to health and safety concerns. The investigation was requested by Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Tom Truman, following concerns about possible exploitation of the family.
All five members of the Whittaker family — Loraine, Timmy, Ray, Betty, and Larry Whittaker — resided together at a home located in the Odd area of Raleigh County, according to the report.
Videos Posted and Monetized
Investigators allege that beginning in May 2025, John Patrick Roark began filming members of the Whittaker family and posting videos of them across multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
The videos primarily featured Timmy and Ray Whittaker, but also included other family members. According to investigators, the content clearly displayed the family members’ disabilities and limitations, and authorities allege the videos were posted in a manner that exploited those conditions.
The investigation states that all of Roark’s social media accounts were monetized, allowing him to generate income from views, engagement, and donations. Authorities allege significant financial gain was made from the videos.
Family Unable to Consent
Investigators noted that Timmy, Ray, and Loraine Whittaker are nonverbal, unable to read or write, and incapable of providing consent to be recorded or to have their likeness used for monetary purposes.
Because of these limitations, authorities allege the family members were particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
Donations Allegedly Diverted
Between May and September 2025, Roark allegedly solicited and accepted donations from social media followers who believed they were contributing directly to the Whittaker family.
According to investigators:
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Roark provided donors with his own address for merchandise donations
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He directed monetary donations to his personal digital payment accounts, including Cash App, PayPal, Venmo, and other services
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He acted as the sole liaison between donors and the family
Betty and Larry Whittaker told investigators that they never received the donated funds, despite thousands of dollars being sent by supporters. They stated the only assistance they ever received was groceries on one or two occasions.
Investigators estimate that approximately $10,000 in monetary donations were collected, none of which were provided to the family as advertised.
Assistance From Out-of-State Individual
In June 2025, Roark allegedly enlisted the help of Lawrence Eric Carroll, a Georgia resident, to assist with managing the social media accounts. Carroll was allegedly brought in for his experience running social media as a business for financial gain.
After obtaining Roark’s cellphone during the investigation, authorities reviewed communications between Roark and Carroll. According to the report, those messages showed Roark’s primary motivation was making money from the Whittaker videos, despite their content clearly depicting the family’s disabilities.
Allegations of Exploitation
Investigators concluded that Roark exploited the Whittaker family’s disabilities for monetary gain, using social media platforms and digital payment services to collect donations that never reached the intended recipients.
The investigation remains ongoing. No additional charges or court proceedings were outlined in the report at the time of its completion.
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BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – UPDATE 1/16/26 1:02 PM: John Patrick Roark, of Odd, has been arrested in connection to fraudulent schemes involving the Whittaker family.
He has been charged with five counts of fraudulent schemes, five counts of financial exploitation of elderly person, protected person or incapacitated adult ($1000 or more), and one count of fraudulent use of an access device.
He has been given a $150,000 bond.
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ORIGINAL STORY: The Beckley Detachment of the West Virginia State Police is investigating a fraudulent scheme involving money and merchandise being sent to a Raleigh County family.
According to an incident report, the scheme has been ongoing since June 20, 2025, and continued until September 15, 2025.
The money and goods were sent to the Whittaker family under the names “Eric Carroll” and “Patrick Roark.”
Troopers identified the suspects as John Patrick Roark, 46, of Odd, West Virginia, and Lawrence Eric Carroll, 41, of Waverly Hall, Georgia.
Investigators are requesting that anyone who has sent money or merchandise to Roark, Carroll, or any other individuals connected with the Whittaker family contact police and provide information about the transactions.
The case is being handled by Cpl. J.W. Gilkeson of the Beckley Detachment. Anyone with information is asked to call 304-256-6700.
