NICHOLAS COUNTY, W.Va. — A former Nicholas County humane officer accused of sexually abusing a minor during a camping trip has been arrested.
James Allen Ray, 37, of Cowen, was arrested by State Police on Wednesday. He’s charged with sexual abused by a person of trust, third-degree sexual abuse, indecent exposure, and contributing the delinquency of a minor.
Police say Ray gave the victim alcohol during a family trip in the Williams River Road area on June 21. Ray allegedly attempted to coerce her into sex while her parents were asleep.
Ray was formerly a humane officer with Nicolas County and served as a police officer within a Webster County city department at one point. Reports say he never obtained his law enforcement certification.
The Nicholas County Commission shared a statement on Facebook Friday stating that Ray was relieved of his humane officer position during an emergency meeting.