Harris

PHILIPPI — A Belington man who was indicted on 51 counts of sex-related charges has taken a plea deal in Barbour County Circuit Court, lowering the charges to five counts.

Brandon Isaiah Harris, 27, entered a plea of guilty to one count of sexual assault in the first degree, one count of sexual abuse in the first degree, one count of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian, one count of possession of child erotica and one count of use of minors in filming sexually explicit conduct, all felonies.

Harris, who entered the plea on Feb. 11, was represented by attorney Michael Safcsa.

Harris was initially charged by the Barbour County Grand Jury in 2024 with 18 counts of first-degree sexual abuse; 21 counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian; three counts of sexual assault in the first degree; five counts of use of minors in filming sexually explicit content; and four counts of child erotica.

Harris is currently being held in Tygart Valley Regional Jail awaiting sentencing, which will occur at a later date.