CHELYAN SEXUAL ASSAULT SUSPECT ARRESTED

CHELYAN SEXUAL ASSAULT SUSPECT ARRESTED

CHELYN, WV – On Monday June 8th, 2026, Deputy J.H. Mullins with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office responded to Chelyan regarding a reported sexual assault.

He met with two females who alleged a male, later identified as James Lewis Craig, Jr., 40 years old, approached them on the parking lot of the Chelyan Post Office and followed them to their residence. 

After being told not to come onto the property, Craig allegedly refused and continued following the two females. 

Craig then allegedly exposed his genitals, pinned one of the female victims against a door and forcibly touched her with his genitals before fleeing the area.

Craig was later located, charged with Sexual Abuse in the 1st Degree, and arraigned by a Kanawha County Magistrate, who set a $50,000 cash-only bond.

ALL SUSPECTS ARE TO BE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW