CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia DHHR said Friday 17 of the 19 children who were at Miracle Meadows school in Salem are now in emergency shelter facilities.
The DHHR was granted emergency custody of the children after allegations of abuse and neglect surfaced at the Seventh-day Adventists-run school.
“The allegations at Miracle Meadows School are troubling and cause for great concern. Abuse of any kind, especially to children, is not acceptable,” state DHHR Secretary Karen Bowling said in a statement released by the agency. “DHHR was compelled to ensure a safe environment for the children removed from the school. I appreciate all of our partners in law enforcement and the judges who assisted in getting these children to a safe and stable environment quickly.”
Two of the 19 children were returned to the custody of their parents.
Teacher Timothy Aaron Arrington, 36, of Salem, was charged with child abuse Thursday after allegedly choking one of the students. Harrison County Prosecutor Joe Shaffer says it was almost to the point of unconsciousness.
Miracle Meadows is a private school and not licensed by the DHHR.