Long to face charges of felony kidnapping
Shawn William Long’s history of violent crimes may land him behind bars for several years as his wrap sheet continues to grow.
Long, 38, of 503 Dodd Street, Middlebourne, now faces a felony charge of kidnapping and misdemeanor charge of second-offense domestic battery after allegedly holding his girlfriend against her will at his home in Middlebourne.
The Tyler County 911 Center received a call from a female at approximately 2 a.m. on Monday after she escaped Long’s captivity to the safety of a neighbor’s house.
During the initial questioning, Cpl. Shannon Huffman of the Tyler County Sheriff’s Department observed red marks on the victim’s face as well as bruising.
In her statement to law enforcement, the victim alleged that Long had been drinking and had begun the abuse at around 8 p.m. on Sunday evening. She said he had struck her in the face and held her mouth shut when she screamed for help. According to the victim, Long also threatened to smother her and refused to let her leave his house.
“She stated that when she tried to call for help, (Shawn) ripped her cell phone from her hand and refused to give it back,” stated Huffman.
West Virginia Code 61-2-14a (enticing away, kidnapping or holding hostage any person) states that anyone who, by force, threat, duress, fraud or enticement takes, confines or otherwise kidnaps any person or holds hostage any person in this state with the intent of shielding or protecting himself of evading capture or arrest after he had committed a crime may face a penalty of not less than 10 years or more than 30 years in prison.
Long, who was convicted of domestic battery in September 2008.
The penalty for second-offense domestic battery is not less than 60 days and no more than one year in prison.
But this was not his first tangle with law enforcement. Long was indicted on three misdemeanor counts of battery on an officer, second offense, and was arraigned on Sept. 29.
His trial date for those offenses has been set for May 4.
Now facing more serious charges, Long is being held at the North Central Regional Jail.
His bond has been set at $75,000.