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Channell
ELKINS -- A Valley Bend man is facing a felony charge of distribution and display to a minor of obscene matter.
John David Channell, 25, is being held in Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $50,000 cash only bond.
According to the criminal complaint, compiled by Deputy Z.T. Pingley of the Randolph County Sheriff's Office, on Wednesday, the deputy met with a 15-year-old girl and her mother regarding a possible sexual assault in the Valley Bend area.
The girl told the officer she was at home the day before using the smartphone application Snapchat when another person with the user name John_Channell20 added her and began messaging her, the complaint states. Screenshots from the John_Channell20 account state, "Your story says send me something. Alright. BRB. I'm excited to show ya."
That user then attempted to live video chat with the girl, according to the complaint. The girl accepted the video chat and identified the other user as Channell because they have mutual friends. The video chat allegedly shows Channell exposing himself and touching himself. The video ended and Channell allegedly stated, "Well, did you at least like it?"
The girl then blocked the other user's account, the complaint states. She told her mother about the incident the next day.
If found guilty of the charge, Channell could be sentenced to up to five years in a state prison, and/or a fine of up to $25,000.