Crime & Safety
Raleigh County, WV Missing Person Case Leads to Criminal Charge
Shady Spring, WV – A missing person investigation in Raleigh County has led to a criminal charge against a woman accused of concealing or removing a minor child from someone legally entitled to custod
By Mara Ellison · 2026-10-24T19:27:05.419Z
Shady Spring, WV – A missing person investigation in Raleigh County has led to a criminal charge against a woman accused of concealing or removing a minor child from someone legally entitled to custody or visitation, according to local authorities.
According to the Raleigh County Sheriff 's Office, Deputy A. Ball responded to a missing person report Thursday, October 22, 2026, in the Shady Spring area, south of Beckley, West Virginia.
During the investigation, Ball gathered information and evidence that ultimately led authorities to obtain a criminal charge against Sarah Elizabeth Sizemore.
Investigation Leads to Child Custody Related Charge The sheriff's office identified the charge as concealment or removal of a minor child from a custodian or person entitled to visitation.
Authorities have not publicly detailed the circumstances surrounding the initial missing person report, including the child's age, relationship to the accused or events that allegedly led to the custody related offense.
The department's announcement also did not specify whether the child had been located or provide additional information about the child's current circumstances.
The investigation originated in Shady Spring, a community in Raleigh County near Beckley.
Sheriff's Office Recognizes Investigators Raleigh County Sheriff Frank Priddy announced the development and praised Deputy Ball for his work gathering evidence during the investigation.
Chief Deputy Frankie Shelton joined Priddy in commending Ball's thorough investigation.
The sheriff's office also recognized Cpl. Dobson and Deputy Pettry for assisting with the case.
The department emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
No additional information about Sizemore's court appearance, bond status or upcoming proceedings was included in the announcement.
The case highlights an investigation involving alleged interference with child custody or visitation rights, although further details remain limited.