HARDY COUNTY, W.Va. — A suspected sex offender wanted in northern Virginia on charges that include multiple counts of child rape remained on the run on the day before Thanksgiving, according to the U.S. Marshals Mountain State Fugitive Task Force.
The search for Michael Haymond, 57, shifted into West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle earlier this week when officials with the Mountain State Fugitive Task Force reported his vehicle, a black Saturn Vue, was found on U.S. Route 48 near Moorefield in Hardy County.
The vehicle was located Monday in the parking lot of the Clifford Hollow Scenic Overlook, officials said.
Haymond reportedly has family members and friends in Hampshire County along with ties to Warren County, Va. and Frederick County, Va.
The Front Royal, Va. Police Department has issued four warrants for Haymond for multiple counts of rape of a child less than 13 years of age and two counts of sodomy of a child.
Investigators said Haymond was suspected of having a history of sexually assaulting children.
A reward was being offered for information leading to Haymond’s arrest.
The U.S. Marshals Service Mountain State Fugitive Task Force can be reached at 304-267-7179.