WEST UNION, W.Va. — A current member of the West Union Town Council is facing charges following a second Child Protective Services visit to his home within two months.
According to the Doddridge County Sheriff’s Department, Edward Barker was recently charged with child neglect creating risk of injury.
Deputies said they arrived at Barker’s home on Aug. 11 with Child Protective Services officials; seven children lived at the home. Authorities noticed unsanitary conditions, including dog feces on the walls and floors as well as cockroaches crawling throughout the facility.
Authorities also noted the children had matted hair and smelled of body odor and urine.
Barker is being held on a $75,000 bond. He already faced a charge of misdemeanor domestic battery amid another Child Protective Services investigation. He faces one year in jail and a maximum fine of $500 for the misdemeanor charge.