Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office investigates allegation against Independence High School coach

Jessica Farrish
·1 min read

Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected to reflect that Dr. Serena Starcher, Superintendent of Raleigh County Schools, did not confirm or deny that her office is investigating. We regret the error.

COAL CITY, WV (WVNS) — Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an allegation against a coach at Independence High School, Raleigh County Sheriff Jim Canaday confirmed on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Sheriff Canaday said the investigation began when one person reported a complaint to a deputy.

“We’re currently conducting a criminal investigation. It’s not completed, yet,” Sheriff Canaday said on Tuesday. “We are looking into some allegations of potential criminal conduct. The school board is conducting their own investigation, and they’re doing that separately and at this point that’s about all we can release.”

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The parent of the Independence High School student who allegedly made the report said the incident was reported to police and school authorities around two weeks ago.

59News is not publishing the nature of the allegation at this time since Sheriff Canaday declined to confirm it, citing the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Dr. Serena Starcher, Superintendent of Raleigh County Schools, did not confirm or deny that her office is investigating the incident but said that, because it is a personnel matter, no additional comments will be made.

“Given he is an employee, any investigation would be a personnel matter,” added Dr. Starcher. “I wouldn’t be able to comment.”

A Raleigh County Board of Education member confirmed school officials are also aware of the investigation.

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59News has also filed a Freedom of Information Act with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, requesting a list of West Virginia school districts where the coach has previously worked.

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