VFD boss accused of sexual abuse of minors in 1992

Roger Channell during an interview with 12 News in 2019 (WBOY image)

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — The chief of the Bunner Ridge Volunteer Fire Department has been indicted for allegedly sexually abusing a minor in 1992.

According to a criminal complaint filed by the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department on July 11, 2023, the victim in the incident contacted officers on January 12, 2022, and alleged that Roger Channell, 52, of Fairmont, engaged in sexual conduct when the victim was between 9 and 10 years old.

The victim claims Channell committed the sexual acts in 1992. That year, Channell and the victim “stayed up late” and “watched shows together,” but “over time, Channell hugged (the victim) and touched the upper part of (the victim’s buttocks),” officials said.

The victim told officers that “this escalated to the point where Channell forced (the victim) to remove his clothing to show affection.” During this time, Channell inappropriately touched the victim “a half-dozen or more times,” according to the indictment.

During these incidents, the victim, who was between nine and 10 years old, felt “frozen and scared.” Channell told the victim that “if she told anyone about this, a stranger would come and take her away,” officials said.

On October 12, 2022, officers went to Channell’s residence to discuss the allegations the victim had made against him, and officers asked him if he and the victim had “stayed up late.” According to the complaint, Channell stated that “it’s certainly possible that happened,” but denied touching the victim inappropriately, stating that “he is very cautious about such things,” according to the complaint.

As part of their investigation, officers spoke with other people to whom the victim had disclosed the alleged sexual assault. “They determined that the (victim’s) statements were consistent,” officers said.

Channell was charged with first-degree sexual assault.

According to the West Virginia Courts website, Channell was taken into custody on the charges on July 20, 2023. At that time, he was placed on a $10,000 personal bond, which he posted the same day.

Also on July 20, Channel pleaded not guilty to the charges and waived his preliminary hearing on August 8, 2023. There have been no further court hearings since that date.