MARSHALL COUNTY, W.Va. — Former Moundsville Fire Chief Gary Brandon has been charged in Marshall County with possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney Joe Canestraro, Brandon was arrested Friday and is accused of distributing and exhibiting material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Authorities allege Brandon possessed fewer than 10 images of child sexual abuse material.
Court records show Brandon posted 10% of a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to return to Marshall County Magistrate Court on June 25.
Under West Virginia law, a conviction for the offense could carry a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $5,000.
The criminal charge comes months after the City of Moundsville announced Brandon’s termination as fire chief. In April, city officials said the decision was connected to an active investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The case remains pending in Marshall County. As with all criminal cases, Brandon is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
