Welcome to Arrest Stories. A thirty-nine-year-old Calhoun County commissioner and classroom teacher faces fifty counts of sexual abuse charges after allegedly assaulting a child for nearly a decade. Here's what may have happened.
Jacob McCumbers, who held dual roles as both an elected Calhoun County commissioner and classroom teacher at Calhoun County Schools, was arrested Saturday morning following a comprehensive investigation by West Virginia State Police. The charges stem from allegations of sexual abuse that reportedly began when the victim was just six or seven years old and continued for approximately eight to nine years.
The case broke open when the alleged victim participated in a child forensic interview on Friday, September twelfth, where they disclosed years of abuse to state investigators. According to police reports, McCumbers allegedly threatened to hurt the victim if they ever told anyone about the assaults, keeping the child silent for years.
Following his Saturday morning arraignment in Calhoun County Magistrate Court, McCumbers posted a one hundred thousand dollar bond and was released to home confinement while awaiting his preliminary hearing scheduled for October second.
The Calhoun County school administration responded swiftly, stating "Administration is aware of the recent arrest of classroom teacher Jacob McCumbers. McCumbers, as required by state law, was immediately removed from the classroom when law enforcement initiated an investigation."
The Calhoun County Commission issued their own statement condemning the alleged actions: "A member of the Calhoun County Commission was recently arrested and charged with crimes involving a minor. The Calhoun County Commission does not condone and strongly condemns any such alleged actions and prays for all of the families involved."
Officials emphasized community responsibility, declaring "We all must have the moral courage in this community to take a stand against those who attempt to harm, degrade, harass, or assault any of our citizens, especially our children."
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.