Stepfather accused of abusing 7-year-old arson suspect in West Virginia
05/26/2023 11:19 am PDT
JACKSON COUNTY, W.Va. (TCD) -- Deputies have arrested a 38-year-old stepfather on suspicion of abusing his 7-year-old stepchild, who allegedly set a house on fire while the minor's parents were sleeping inside.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, Aaron Hufford faces a charge of child abuse.
A criminal complaint obtained by WSAZ-TV said Hufford was seen on video hitting the 7-year-old child on the buttocks. He also allegedly picked up the child aggressively.
Hufford reportedly told officials his actions in the video were "excessive."
The criminal complaint, as cited by WSAZ, said, "Based on the suspect's admission to the excessive nature of the strikes, it is reasonable to believe that there was potential for bodily harm."
On Wednesday, May 24, local fire crews from Ripley, Silverton, and Ravenswood responded to a report of a fire in the Medina area, where a home was engulfed in flames. Investigators determined the 7-year-old child allegedly set fire to the house.
Everyone made it out of the home alive, but two individuals reportedly suffered burn injuries.
The investigation is ongoing.
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