Watson

ELKINS — The case against a Randolph County man accused of sexual abuse by a parent, a guardian or custodian is headed for the grand jury after he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

David Allen Watson, 49, is accused of one count of sexual abuse by a parent, a guardian or custodian, a felony. He is currently being held at Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond.

Watson appeared in Randolph County Magistrate Court on May 1 with his attorney, Gregory Tingler. Before the hearing was waived, Tingler filed a motion to modify Watson’s bond, asking Randolph County Magistrate Mike Dyer to change it to a surety, property or 10% bond.

Tingler explained to the court that Watson’s only criminal history was a wildlife misdemeanor charge involving fishing, and that Watson, if he were to make bond, would not have any access to the alleged victim or to any other child previously in his care. 

Tingler also argued that the only evidence in the case against Watson was based on the testimony of a child who, at the time, was under five years old.

“…The entire basis of this was a CAC interview,” Tingler told the court. “There’s no physical evidence of any contact. There’s just an allegation from (the alleged victim) of inappropriate contact, which has led to all this.”

Assistant Randolph County Prosecutor Leckta Poling said the state was opposed to any form of bond modification as Watson is considered a “significant risk to the community and to children.” Poling also explained that the extremely young age of the alleged victim was another reason why Watson’s bond should not be modified.

Dyer denied the bond modification.