WV Pastor Faces 175 Charges Related to Child Sexual Abuse
John Radcliff and wife Kathy accused of abusing children over 2 decades
A pastor in West Virginia has been arrested and faces 175 charges related to abusing young children.
John and Kathy Radcliff
John Radcliff, 57, and his wife Kathy Radcliff, 52, were taken into custody Nov. 19 following an extensive investigation by the West Virginia State Police. The alleged crimes were committed in 4 separate West Virginia counties and stretched over a span of almost 2 decades—from 1987 to 2003.
According to the Webster Echo, John Radcliff was first arrested in September on allegations of crimes that occurred in 2018 and 2019. The investigation into those allegations uncovered more victims in other counties throughout West Virginia.
John Radcliff served as a pastor at both Nettie Baptist Church in Nettie and Calvary Baptist Church in Bolair. He resigned from the pastorate at Nettie Baptist following his arrest in September.
The West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists issued a statement, saying, “While the WVCSB does not hold direct governance or authority over Southern Baptist congregations in West Virginia, we are committed to providing support during times of crisis. Our desire is for churches and ministries in our state to be safe for survivors and free from abuse, reflecting the gospel.”
At least five of the alleged victims are Radcliff’s nieces. One of them, Wendra Pullen, told Newsweek that she was 3 years old when the abuse began. “Seeing him in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs was probably the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in my life,” Pullen said.
The victims say they have waited decades to be able to speak out against Radcliff. “I have been ready to testify for 30 years,” Pullen said.
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West Virginia State Police report that the investigation is ongoing and new victims are continuing to come forward, possibly leading to additional charges. Currently, John Radcliff is being held on multiple bonds in three counties that total $1.7 million.
Kathy Radcliff has been charged with displaying obscene matter to a minor and acting as an accessory. The complaint against her states she knew of the abuse. She is being held on a $75,000 bond.
The charges against John Radcliff include: first-degree sexual abuse, incest, displaying obscene matter to a minor, sexual abuse by a parent guardian or custodian and first-degree sexual abuse.
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