The Radcliffe Case: What You Need to Know

A Shocking Turn of Events

John Radcliff, once a well-regarded youth pastor and trusted figure in his community, now stands at the center of deeply troubling allegations. He is accused of sexually abusing at least five individuals over a period of two decades, beginning in the 1980s. The accusations describe a disturbing pattern of predatory behavior, encompassing sexual assault, incest, and the abuse of minors.

His wife, Kathy Radcliff, also faces serious charges. Prosecutors claim she not only turned a blind eye to her husband’s behavior but also played an active role in the assaults. The charges span across Monongalia County, exposing a profound betrayal of trust—made all the more egregious by the couple’s deliberate use of their positions within the church to exploit vulnerable individuals. If you are navigating a situation involving institutional abuse, speaking with a Morgantown criminal lawyer can help you better understand your rights.

These revelations serve as a sobering reminder that abuse can thrive behind positions of power, leaving lasting and devastating harm on those who survive it.

Legal Pathways for Sexual Abuse Survivors

For survivors of sexual abuse in West Virginia, the legal system offers meaningful ways to pursue accountability and compensation. While criminal proceedings focus on penalizing offenders, civil lawsuits give survivors the opportunity to seek justice for the harm caused by an abuser’s conduct.

Important Considerations for Sexual Abuse Civil Claims

Statute of Limitations

In West Virginia, adult survivors of abuse have a two-year window to file a civil claim. However, survivors of child sexual abuse benefit from extended legal protections—they may bring a claim until they reach 36 years of age, under W. Va. Code Ann. § 55-2-15. Understanding these timelines is critical, and consulting a Morgantown DUI attorney can help clarify whether you still have a viable path forward.

Holding Institutions Accountable

When abuse takes place within an institutional setting—such as a church—the organization itself may be held legally responsible. Institutions can face liability if evidence shows they were negligent, failed to report misconduct, or did not put adequate safeguards in place to prevent ongoing abuse.

Compensation for Your Losses

Civil lawsuits give survivors both a voice and a path to financial recovery. Compensation may cover a range of losses, including medical expenses, psychological therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A seasoned Morgantown criminal lawyer can help evaluate the full scope of damages you may be entitled to pursue.

Why Having Legal Support Makes All the Difference

Taking legal action after experiencing trauma is never a straightforward process. The weight of past abuse can make even routine legal steps feel overwhelming. That is why having a knowledgeable and compassionate legal team by your side is so important.

At Mountaineer Criminal Law Group, we go beyond standard legal representation. Our mission is to stand firmly alongside survivors—not just as their legal advocates, but as a genuine source of strength and guidance throughout the entire process. It takes real courage to face the past head-on, and we are fully committed to ensuring your story is heard and that justice is pursued on your behalf.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or someone you know has been harmed by individuals like John or Kathy Radcliff, or by faith leaders of any denomination, legal options may still be available to you—even if the abuse occurred many years ago. Reaching out to a Morgantown DUI attorney at our group is a practical and important first step toward understanding what avenues are open to you.

Our team is led by Sharon, a compassionate West Virginia injury attorney and the head of our Institutional Abuse & Neglect division. Sharon offers free consultations that are structured to minimize the risk of retraumatization—because we recognize that the pursuit of justice should never add to your pain.

Sharon is an active member of the American Association for Justice’s Child Sexual Abuse, Sexual Assault, and Anti-Human Trafficking sections. She also co-moderates the “Journey to Justice” webinar series, a 14-part training program designed for attorneys who handle these sensitive and specialized cases. The team at Mountaineer Criminal Law Group has a strong track record of representing survivors across West Virginia and beyond, including high-profile institutional cases involving juvenile detention centers.

Call us today at (304) 832-8350 to discuss your legal options in a safe and confidential setting.

Why Survivors Trust Mountaineer Criminal Law Group

We are proud to deliver meaningful results while treating every client with the dignity and respect they deserve. Survivors of sexual abuse are owed more than a settlement—they deserve empathy, understanding, and a team that will fight relentlessly to secure the maximum compensation available to them. Our Morgantown criminal lawyer team brings the expertise, dedication, and resources necessary to build a strong and compelling case on your behalf.

We collaborate closely with leading subject matter experts when the situation calls for it, ensuring that every aspect of your case receives the thorough and careful attention it deserves. No detail goes unnoticed.

Contact Us for Confidential Legal Support

When you are ready to take the next step toward justice, Mountaineer Criminal Law Group is here for you. Call us at (304) 832-8350 to schedule your free, confidential consultation. You are not alone—our experienced Morgantown DUI attorney is ready to guide and support you every step of the way.