WESTON (WV)
Metro News [Charleston, WV]
September 30, 2025
By Mike Nolting
A preliminary hearing for a former Lewis County youth pastor accused of sexually assaulting several young girls has been continued until February.
The prosecution has notified the court of new evidence, recorded interviews from when John Radcliff’s alleged victims went to the police years ago. The continuance gives both sides the opportunity to prepare with the new information.
Radcliff is accused of sexually assaulting the girls multiple times between 1987 and 2003.
Radcliff was charged last November with nearly 100 counts of sexual misconduct in Lewis, Harrison, Braxton and Nicholas counties.
Radcliff’s wife, Kathy Radcliff, was charged with being a principal in the case after victims reported that she knew about the abuse and did not report it. The state dropped the displaying obscene matter to a minor charges against her.
Radcliff’s preliminary hearing is now scheduled for Feb. 3.