Town council member arrested twice in two months during CPS investigations

WEST UNION, W.Va. – A current member of the West Union Town Council is facing charges following the second CPS visit to his home in two months.

Doddridge County Sheriff’s Department deputies said August 11 they responded with Child Protective Services to a home on Route 18 North and found the home to be very unsanitary. Seven children were living in the home Barker that was littered with dog feces on the walls, and flooring. Investigators say there were cockroaches crawling in the refrigerator and on the floors, walls and ceiling.

The children reportedly had matted hair and smelled like body odor and urine.

Barker has been charged with child neglect creating risk of injury. He is being held in lieu of a $75,000 bail.

In July, Barker was charged with misdemeanor domestic battery by Doddridge County Sheriff’s deputies while Child Protective Services conducted an investigation. The maximum penalty for domestic battery misdemeanor is one year in jail and a fine of up to $500.

Barker continues to serve on West Union Town Council.