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ELKINS -- A man charged with child neglect has been sentenced to two years of supervised probation after an allegedly successful turn-around in rehab and sober living in Wood County.
Brandon Edward Hepler, 40, was sentenced by Randolph County Circuit Court Judge Jaymie Wilfong to six months of imprisonment, suspended for two years of supervised probation for one count of one count of child neglect creating bodily injury, a misdemeanor.
As part of his supervised probation, Hepler must regularly check in with his probation officer in Wood County, be subject to drug and alcohol testing, continue counseling and successfully complete his time in a sober living facility. He is also permitted by the court to have contact with his children at the discretion of the children’s mother.
On July 15, Hepler entered into a plea agreement, pleading guilty to one count of child neglect creating bodily injury. Hepler was initially charged in December 2025 with one count of child neglect with risk of serious bodily injury or death, a felony.
Before Hepler was sentenced, his attorney, Gregory Tingler, asked the court to give Hepler an alternative sentence of probation. Tingler explained that Hepler was released on bond in February on the condition that he go to rehab. After being admitted to Clean and Clear Advantage Recovery in Parkersburg, Hepler successfully completing the program.
In April, Hepler, with permission from the Randolph County court on the condition he check in with Wood County three times a week, entered himself into the Oxford House, a sober living home in Vienna. Tingler stated that Hepler has been doing very well in his recovery, with no positive drug tests, consistent employment in Vienna and continued residency at Oxford House. Tingler also noted that Hepler had been taking the Sublocade shot to help in his recovery and, in April, voluntarily discontinued his treatment so he would not be reliant on it.
Tingler said Hepler had been working towards fixing his family life, receiving support from his family members while also working towards fixing his relationship with his children through fighting his addiction. Tingler added that “it’s been a pleasure” to work with Hepler and that he believed Hepler was on a “good road to recovery.”
Wilfong asked if Hepler has had any contact with his children. Hepler stated that he had not as, while the Family Court left it to the discretion of the children’s mother, he knew the Circuit Court said he could not have contact, so he kept no contact in order to not overstep his boundaries. Wilfong also asked Hepler when he would be finished at Oxford House and if he enjoyed the program there, to which Hepler said he could stay for as long as he liked and that it was an “amazing program” that he planned to stick with.
Hepler then addressed the court regarding his sentencing. He started off by thanking Wilfong for giving him the opportunity to go to rehab and to enter sober living, calling it “gracious” and stating that the whole experience, even the two months he spent in jail, has humbled him “in many ways.” Hepler said that he has met amazing people and has had amazing job opportunities since being in Wood County.
He said he has had the chance to regain his bearings and understand the effect his “downfall” has had on his family. Hepler said his children are the most important things in his life and “no matter what he has to do,” he will continue to do his best and put everything into his recovery from addiction.
While he has struggled on and off with sobriety in the past, Hepler said the incident in December 2025 truly showed him the effect his addiction has had on his children. He said his only option is to move forward with no going back, and he admitted that it’s been easier this time to stay sober because he has a clear goal. Hepler stated that he loves Vienna and has no intention of returning to Elkins, as he does not want to fall back into the same bad influences of certain people or certain places. He added that he would like to help other recovering addicts and begin working in a rehabilitation facility.
All Hepler asked of Wilfong was to allow him to have contact with his children.
Assistant Randolph County Prosecutor Christina Harper told the court that the state recommended Hepler be sentenced to six months in jail, suspended for two years of supervised probation, with the condition that Hepler continue and complete his time at Oxford House, continue counseling, continue check-ins with his probation officer, be subject to random drug screens and participate in any other recommended services. Harper said she spoke to the children’s mother, who stated that she was fine starting out contact with phone calls if the children wanted to speak to him. Hepler was seen nodding in agreement as Harper spoke.
As she sentenced Hepler, Wilfong said she thought Hepler was now living a life he could be proud of, as he was feeling better, looking healthier and saw how his addiction hurt his children. She said she didn’t have any doubt that his children will someday feel comfortable with him again so long as he continues his recovery. Wilfong addressed Hepler’s father, who was sitting in the gallery of the courtroom. She asked him if it was nice to have his son back, to which Hepler’s father replied, “Amen.”