What charges do the West Virginia parents face?

Dwayne and Dorothy Hickman face two counts of gross neglect of a child, creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.

Why were the children removed from the Hickman home?

Children were removed due to deplorable living conditions discovered by authorities and concerns raised by a preschool staff member about the children's well-being, including bug bites and cockroaches.

What are the potential penalties for child neglect in West Virginia?

Conviction for child neglect creating a risk of serious bodily injury or death in West Virginia can lead to 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.

Home / Crime and Justice / Cockroaches and Neglect: West Virginia Parents Arrested

Cockroaches and Neglect: West Virginia Parents Arrested

18 Feb

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Summary

Children found with cockroaches and bug bites, prompting investigation.
Parents face multiple counts of child neglect with risk of harm.
Deplorable home conditions led to children's removal by authorities.

Cockroaches and Neglect: West Virginia Parents Arrested

Parents Dwayne and Dorothy Hickman were arrested on February 10, 2026, facing charges of child neglect. Their children were removed from their Doddridge County residence after authorities discovered deplorable living conditions and evidence of neglect.

The investigation was initiated by a local preschool staff member who observed a child with cockroaches in his backpack and numerous bug bites. The child's sister also reported her clothing was very dirty.

Child Protective Services took custody of the children, whose ages were not specified. The Hickmans were charged with two counts of gross neglect, each creating a substantial risk of death or serious injury.

They both pleaded not guilty on February 13, 2026. Dwayne and Dorothy are currently detained at the North Central Regional Jail. Under West Virginia law, such neglect can result in 1 to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.

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