A 24-year-old Raleigh County man is sitting in jail on a steep cash bond after investigators say an out-of-state tip led to nine felony sex charges involving a juvenile.
Benjamin Dale Ball was arrested in Raleigh County and is now charged with seven counts of sexual assault in the first degree and two counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian or person in a position of trust. He is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.
Investigation and arrest
Raleigh County Sheriff Frank Priddy said his office was contacted in March 2026 by authorities in Morrow County, Ohio, about a complaint involving a juvenile. Detectives with the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office say they followed up on that tip, developed information pointing to multiple incidents and secured warrants for Ball’s arrest.
Those warrants were served and the nine felony counts were formally filed on April 28, 2026, according to WVVA.
Where he’s being held
Ball is currently housed at the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, the regional lockup that takes inmates from Raleigh County and several neighboring areas. The facility operates under the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office uses its official website to share contact details and public notices for anyone who may have tips or information relevant to ongoing cases.
Charges and possible penalties
Prosecutors have brought seven counts of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of sexual abuse by a person in a position of trust, all described under state law as serious felonies. Sexual assault in the first degree is set out in W. Va. Code §61‑8B‑3, and sexual abuse by a parent or person in a position of trust is detailed in W. Va. Code §61‑8D‑5. Both statutes allow for lengthy prison sentences if a jury returns guilty verdicts.
What’s next
The case remains pending in Raleigh County courts, and officials had not posted additional public court dates at the time of reporting. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office at (304) 255‑9300 or check the sheriff’s website for the latest official updates and guidance.
