27-03-2025
Salem man allegedly abused child for taking Mountain Dew can ‘without permission'
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — A man has been charged after allegedly abusing a juvenile at a residence in Harrison County.
On Mach 26, deputies with the Harrison County Sheriff's Office attended two forensic interviews with juvenile victims at Hero's Haven Child Advocacy Center in Clarksburg, according to a criminal complaint.
During the interview, one juvenile victim said that on March 18, Cody Johnston, 29, of Salem, 'grabbed [them] by the throat, picked [them] up, squeezed and threw [them] backwards,' deputies said.
The juvenile also 'does not feel safe' being around Johnston, the complaint said.
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A separate child detailed another incident when Johnston 'grabbed [the victim] by the throat or neck and threw [that child] because [the victim] took one of Johnston's Mountain Dew cans without asking permission,' according to the complaint.
Johnston has been charged with child abuse. He is being held in North Central Regional Jail without bond.
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