SUMMERSVILLE W.Va. (WVDN) – An arrest has been made in a sexual abuse cold case. The West Virginia State Police released the following statement:
“On October 28, 2024, TFC.R.C. Watson began a sexual assault investigation into John Waitman Radcliff II. This investigation stemmed from an investigation that began in 2004 by Trooper Chad Tierney.
“The allegations in this investigation included Sexual Assault, Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse by Parent or Guardian and Incest. Through this investigation, TFC.R.C. Watson learned of numerous victims, all with similar disclosures of crimes dating back to 1986.
“During this investigation TFC. R.C. Watson learned that Mr. Radcliff was a Preacher and Youth Minister at various churches in Lewis County and surrounding counties. Interviews were conducted and statements were obtained from victims. This information was used to establish probable cause and obtain arrest warrants for Mr. Radcliff.
“In this investigation, TFC. R.C. Watson also learned that Mr. Radcliff’s wife, identified as Kathy Radcliff also had knowledge of the abuse taking place and also committed crimes against children. TFC. R.C. Watson was able to establish probable cause to charge Mrs. Radcliff as well.
“In total, Mr. Radcliff was charged with fifty-six (56) counts of Sexual Assault 1st Degree, fifteen (15) counts of Sexual Abuse 1st Degree, sixty-three (63) counts of Sexual Abuse by Parent or Guardian, fifty-six (56) counts of Incest and one (1) count of Display of Obscene Material to a Minor.
“Mrs. Radcliff was charged with one (1) count of Display of Obscene Material to a Minor and one (1) count of Principle 2nd Degree. The jurisdiction of Mr. Radcliff’s charges included Lewis, Braxton and Harrison Counties.
“On November 19, 2024, working in conjunction with members of the Summersville Detachment of the West Virginia State Police, the arrest warrants were executed on Mr. and Mrs. Radcliff. This investigation is still ongoing with more victims coming forward. Additional charges are pending.”
