CHARLESTON, W.Va – The trial date is set for a former Kanawha County sheriff’s deputy charged in federal court with sexually assaulting a female inmate.
Cass Close, 56, of Charleston, entered a not guilty plea to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law on Thursday. He is accused of sexually abusing an inmate at the Kanawha County Judicial Building in July 2025 while working as a court bailiff.
Federal Magistrate Judge Dwane Tinsley set Close’s trial for October 6 before Judge David Faber. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for September 15.
Close originally faced charges in Kanawha County Circuit Court before the state stepped aside to allow for federal charges. He faces life in prison if convicted and given the maximum sentence.