Man faces 5 counts of child abuse against 6-year-old

Robert Thomas was arrested Friday, April 22, on multiple charges in connection to a WV State Police Crimes Against Children Unit investigation.
Robert Thomas was arrested Friday, April 22, on multiple charges in connection to a WV State Police Crimes Against Children Unit investigation.

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A 45-year-old man is in jail accused of abusing a young girl in his care.

Family members notified state police after the victim, 6, told them she was inappropriately touched by the man.

Sgt. Adam Scott, West Virginia State Police Crimes Against Children Unit, arrested Robert Thomas Friday night after Scott said Thomas admitted touching the girl’s private parts and exposing his genitals to her on two occasions.

The victim told Scott the abuse occurred by her mother’s live-in-boyfriend “every time mommy goes to work”.  Thomas may have shared a home with the woman and girl for up to 2 years.

According to information from a release, the girl “also said it happened what seemed liked 100 times to her”.

Sgt. Scott, who indicated Thomas may be a flight risk or harm himself, arrested the suspect charging him with three counts of felony child sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian and two counts of felony first degree sexual assault.

Thomas is in the North Central Regional Jail on a $250,000 bond.

If anyone has any further information in reference to this investigation, Scott requests calls at 304-367-2701.