WESTON, W.Va. — Lewis County Sheriff David Gosa has released a statement regarding the recent child abuse investigation that resulted in two arrests. Gosa said his office and the West Virginia State Police office of Crimes Against Children have working the case since they were first notified on December 7, 2024.
Gosa released the statement after many social media posts called law enforcement out for “dropping the ball” in the investigation.
Documents said the abuse began in August of this year, but wasn’t known by law enforcement until the 4-month old was taken to a Morgantown hospital for treatment in December.
As a result, Alexis Benedum, 22, of Orlando, has been charged with one count of child abuse by a person of trust and six counts of child neglect causing serious bodily injury and Eric Auen, 20, the child’s biological father has been charged with four counts of child abuse by a person oif trust. Both have waived their preliminary hearings.
That examination determined the infant was suffering from a brain bleed, bleeding behind the eyes, broken ribs, bruises, and organ damage.
During the months of September, October, November, and December documents show Benedum was aware of the abuse and even asked a family member if she could press charges against Auen, but did nothing.
In November, Auen allegedly was treated for a mental health episode in which he admitted to having thoughts about harming the infant.
Benedum and Auen are being held in the Central Regional Jail. Auen is held on a $500,000 bond and Benedum is being held on a $100,000 bond.