RALEIGH COUNTY, WEST VIRGINIA — A devastating case has come to light involving a father accused of one of the most disturbing acts imaginable. Kenneth Ray Cook, 44, is now facing over 150 criminal charges after allegedly abusing his own daughter for more than a decade — abuse that led to the birth of three children.
According to court documents, the alleged abuse began in 2012, when the victim was only 9 years old, and continued until she was 21. Over those long and painful years, Cook reportedly kept the abuse hidden — until a child born from that relationship was found in alarming, neglectful conditions in 2023.
Authorities were first alerted in March of this year, leading to Cook’s arrest. Since then, the case has escalated. On June 3, he was formally indicted on 152 charges, including 149 counts of incest, along with child neglect, sexual assault, and abuse.
He is currently being held at Southern Regional Jail on a $500,000 bond and is set for arraignment on June 24.
Three Children Caught in the Shadows of Trauma
While the full identities of the victims remain protected for safety, it has been confirmed that three children were born over the course of this alleged abuse. At least one was discovered in need of serious care, sparking further investigation and eventually unraveling the horror that had been kept in silence.
The Case That Shook a Community
Law enforcement and advocacy groups are calling this one of the most disturbing abuse cases in recent years — not just because of the sheer length and severity, but because of how long it went undetected.
“This case is heartbreaking,” said one local advocate. “It reminds us that abuse often hides behind a mask of normalcy. We must do better — to listen, to notice, and to protect.”
Cook has retained legal counsel, but no public statements have been made on his behalf as of this writing.
What You Can Do
This case is a powerful reminder that abuse thrives in silence. If you or someone you know may be experiencing abuse, please reach out. You are not alone.
📞 Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-422-4453
💬 Text “STRENGTH” to 741-741 for 24/7 support via the Crisis Text Line
🌐 Visit www.childhelp.org for more resources
