MANNIGTON, W.Va. — A Mannington man faces charges following a lengthy Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation.
In late 2023 and early 2024, CPS investigators determined Michael Gernstl, 60, abused children ages 13, 11, qne 7-years old on multiple occassions.
Investigators said Gernstl disciplined the 11 and 7-year by hitting then on the thigh with a belt that left bruises.
Gernstl is also accused of forcing the 11 and 7-year old to stand outside as a form of punishment as well.
On one occassion in December Gernstl is accussed of forcing the 7-year old to stand outside after a bath for refusing to get dressed. The child, still damp was forced to stand outside with no clothes on until Gernstl gave the permission to come back inside.
Gernstl denied using the belt to hit the children in the thighs, but said hye did use it to discipline them.
Gernstl is being held in the North Central Regional Jail on a $100,212 bond.