Couple facing several charges in child abuse investigation

JACKSON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A couple is facing several charges after an extensive investigation into allegations of physical and emotional abuse involving three children in Jackson County, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.

Erica Lynn Sayre, 45, and her husband, Clifford Gale Sayre, both of Evans, are each facing six felony counts.

Erica Sayre is facing three counts of child abuse resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury.

Clifford Sayre is facing three counts of child neglect resulting in bodily injury and three counts of child neglect creating risk of injury.

In a Facebook post Monday, deputies said:

“The investigation uncovered allegations of many years of disturbing mistreatment, including children being repeatedly struck, strangled, deprived of food and water, denied bathroom privileges, dumping soiled cat litter in their beds and dog feces on personal items, and forced to run barefoot on a gravel driveway as means of punishment for any conflicts with Erica.

The investigation also revealed allegations of the children being struck with household objects - causing excessive bleeding injuries, forced to place a soiled sock in their mouths, and having their hair forcibly cut.“

One of the children stated being struck in the head with an electronic device, causing a bleeding injury for which they were denied medical treatment, according to deputies.

One of the children also stated they were threatened to be killed if they contacted Child Protective Services, deputies said.

During interviews, one of the children became visibly emotional and declared, ‘I can’t go back to that home,’“ deputies said.

Deputies said one of the children described years of alleged abuse and expressed that they ‘just wants a normal life.’”

Deputies said the investigation also found that Clifford Sayre witnessed repeated moments of abuse and failed to intervene.

One of the children also reported that Clifford Sayre physically restrained their hands while Erica Sayre forcibly cut their hair with a razor blade, resulting in an injury, deputies said.

During a forensic interview, deputies said the children described being tormented and harassed about their deceased biological parents, as well as described their home situation as “because mom hits us and Gale lets her.”

Investigators said they contacted Child Protective Services and all three children were removed from the home.

The couple posted bond and their preliminary hearings are set for 10 a.m. Monday.