Authorities said three children were removed from an Evans home after interviews conducted with child-protection and advocacy personnel.
EVANS, W.Va. — Three children have been removed from a Jackson County home after investigators said interviews, corroborating accounts and documented physical evidence supported allegations of prolonged abuse and neglect involving two adults who lived with them.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation led to felony charges against Erica Lynn Sayre, 45, and Clifford Gale Sayre, 46, both of Evans. The case centers not only on what the children told investigators but also on physical findings and the consistency of their separate accounts, according to Sheriff Ross Mellinger.
Authorities said deputies coordinated interviews with Child Protective Services and a child advocacy center. During those interviews, the children described alleged mistreatment stretching over years. Investigators later documented scars they said were consistent with portions of the accounts. Mellinger said the children’s statements also corroborated one another.
The children reported being struck and strangled, deprived of food and water and denied bathroom access, according to authorities. They also described being forced to run barefoot on gravel as punishment and said unsanitary material was placed on their beds and personal property. Investigators described additional allegations involving injuries and degrading treatment but did not release the children’s identities.
One child told investigators about suffering a bleeding head injury after being struck with an electronic device and said medical treatment was denied. Another reported being threatened with death for contacting Child Protective Services. Authorities also said the children described being harassed about their deceased biological parents. Those claims remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
The sheriff’s department said the children showed strong emotional reactions during the investigation. One child told investigators that returning to the home was not an option, while another expressed a desire for a normal life. The comments were included in authorities’ public description of the case and helped illustrate what investigators said was the effect of the alleged treatment.
Investigators also examined Clifford Sayre’s alleged role. Deputies said he witnessed repeated abuse and failed to intervene. One child alleged that he restrained the child’s hands while Erica Sayre forcibly cut the child’s hair, causing an injury. Authorities said the allegation was among the evidence considered when charges were sought.
Erica Sayre faces three counts of child abuse resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury. Clifford Sayre faces three counts of child neglect resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury, according to the sheriff’s department. Both defendants have posted bond.
Authorities have not publicly released the children’s ages, where they were placed after removal or a complete timeline showing when the alleged mistreatment began. The reports reviewed also do not fully explain what first prompted authorities to investigate the household. Those details remain outside the publicly confirmed record.
The investigation has moved into the court process. Erica Sayre’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 20, according to local reporting. No verified update reviewed Wednesday established the outcome of any preliminary proceeding involving Clifford Sayre. Both defendants are accused, not convicted, and the charges remain pending.
Author note: Last updated Oct. 28, 2026.