Former Youth Pastor Charged with Almost 100 Child Sexual Abuse Charges Across West Virginia
Another harrowing case of child sexual abuse has recently created shockwaves across Lewis County. According to reports from WBOY and WDTV, a former minister and his wife are at the center of a massive investigation. John Radcliff and Kathy Radcliff now face almost 100 charges for crimes spanning from 1987 to 2003. These allegations come from at least five victims, with some as young as three years old.
Here is what we know about the details of this case out of Lewis County.
A Long History of Abuse
In October 2024, John Radcliff was arrested in Nicholas County for an unrelated sexual abuse incident that occurred the previous month. Following his arrest, troopers learned of possible victims in surrounding counties. This led to the launch of the current investigation that resulted in interviews with five individuals, including two of Radcliff’s nieces. These victims detailed years of manipulation, coercion, and exploitation by Radcliff and his wife.
According to the complaint, some of these allegations were first reported in 2004. An investigation was launched, but there were no charges filed against the youth pastor or his wife. However, the October 2024 arrest prompted authorities to reach back out to possible victims of his crimes. During this time, law enforcement learned a few disturbing details.
One victim recounted that her abuse began at age three. She then recounted how, at age eight, there was an incident where John forced her to engage in inappropriate sexual acts in his vehicle. On another occasion, a victim described being coerced into sexual acts after being lured with treats.
Another victim alleged that John sexually abused her multiple times around the age of four. She describes being forced into engaging in various sexual acts in his vehicle and at his home.
One of perhaps the most disturbing accounts involved both John and Kathy. A victim stated that Kathy encouraged her and another child to watch sexually explicit material while the couple engaged in sexual acts in front of them. Also, Kathy reportedly bathed a young child while John attempted to sexually assault her.
In one interview, a victim recounted that Kathy later apologized for her role in the abuse. This admission and new evidence reignited the investigation and led to the current charges against the couple.
There Apparently Were Multiple Incidents Across Several West Virginia Counties
With these multiple accounts of criminal acts, John Radcliff is facing 98 charges across four counties, with 77 of those being filed on November 18. These include:
Lewis County
These charges are related to events between 1987 and 2003:
- Seven counts of first-degree sexual abuse
- Five counts of first-degree sexual assault
- 12 counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or custodian
- Five counts of incest
- One count of displaying obscene matter to a minor
Braxton County
These charges are related to events between 1995 and 2000:
- 15 counts of first-degree sexual assault
- 15 counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or custodian
- 15 counts of incest
Harrison County
These charges are related to incidents in 2003:
- One count of first-degree sexual assault
- One count of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or custodian
- One count of incest
Nicholas County
These charges are related to crimes committed between 2018 and 2019:
- Five counts of second-degree sexual assault
- Eight counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or custodian
- Eight counts of incest
John Radcliff remains in custody at the Central Regional Jail with a bond set at $1.7 million. Also, Kathy Radcliff has been charged with being an accomplice and exposing minors to explicit materials. Her bond is set at $75,000.
The investigation is still ongoing. During the interview with state police, one victim stated that she believed there were “at least 13 others” who may have been subjected to Radcliff’s abuse.
Anyone who may be a possible victim of John and Kathy Radcliff is encouraged to contact West Virginia State Police. You can reach out to TFC R.C. Watson at 304-269-0500 or 304-637-0200.
Getting Justice for Those Who Have Suffered Sexual Abuse
Unfortunately, we are faced with another case of sexual abuse perpetrated by a person in a position of power. The allegations have shocked the local community. For many, they saw John Radcliff as a trusted preacher and youth leader. However, that position allowed him access to vulnerable children.
Unfortunately, these cases of sexual abuse are not rare in West Virginia. Over the years, we have seen numerous incidents of physical and sexual abuse committed against minors in our community. At Hendrickson & Long, PLLC, we are committed to taking all the necessary steps to ensure these individuals are held accountable for their reprehensible actions.
We are here to provide the compassionate legal support you need during this time. Whether you have been affected by an incident committed by John and Kathy Radcliff or are a victim in another case of clergy abuse, please reach out to our team. We’re more than legal advocates; we want to ensure that every community member is protected from harm and gets the justice they deserve from these perpetrators.
