Stepfather of child accused of setting home on fire arrested, charged with child abuse
JACKSON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – The stepfather of a 7-year-old who investigators say is accused of setting his home on fire has been arrested, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
Aaron Hufford, 38, of Sandyville, West Virginia has been arrested for child abuse creating risk of injury.
Yesterday, May 24, Hufford’s stepson was taken into custody on a first-degree arson charge.
7-year-old child faces first-degree arson charges, allegedly set fire to home with parents asleep
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office confirms Hufford is accused of abusing the 7-year-old accused of arson.
A criminal complaint states a video was sent to an investigator that shows Hufford hitting the 7-year-old on the buttocks several times and picking him up forcefully under the arms, removing him from a room.
During an interview with law enforcement, Hufford described his actions in the video as “excessive.”
The criminal complaint goes on to say, “Based on the suspects admission to the excessive nature of the strikes, it is reasonable to believe that there was potential for bodily harm.”
Investigators say the parents were asleep inside at the time of the fire. Two people suffered minor burn injuries.
A 7-year-old child has been arrested after allegedly setting fire to a home while their parents were asleep. (Jackson County West Virginia Sheriff's Department)
The fire was reported just after 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Medina area. Crews from Ripley, Silverton and Ravenswood volunteer fire departments responded.
The sheriff said at this time “no further information will be released regarding the investigation because of the sensitive nature of the case.”
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Source: WSAZ
