A criminal felony charge accusing a Wetzel County teacher of soliciting a minor via computer to engage in an illegal act was dismissed in Wetzel County Magistrate court on Tuesday, July 23, by Wetzel County Magistrate Judy Koontz.

Adam Croasmun 23, of Paden City appeared for a preliminary on Tuesday, and the Magistrate ruled she did not find probable cause for the charge and dismissed the case without prejudice. Kootnz relieved Croasmun from bond and removed the charge at that time. However, the case may still be presented to the Wetzel County Grand Jury if the prosecutor’s office deems it appropriate.

Wetzel County Superintendent Edward Toman issued the following statement. “It is our understanding that the magistrate did not find any probable cause to the allegations in the criminal complaint at the recent preliminary hearing. Therefore, there are absolutely no criminal charges pending against the employee. At this time, there is nothing that prevents the employee from having the right to fulfill his employment contract with the school system. If that changes in the future, we will handle the same in accordance with personnel laws that govern school employees should his status change, but to the extent the employee could face future charges by an indictment or otherwise that would change his status are of course matters handled solely by the prosecuting attorney. Any further questions should be directed to the prosecutor’s office.”

Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney Timothy E. Haught issued the following Press Release:

The original Criminal Complaint filed by the West Virginia State Police against Adam Croasmun in Magistrate Court was dismissed by Magistrate Judith Goontz after a Preliminary Hearing on July 23, 2019. Procedurally, this case was initiated by the filing of a Criminal Complaint by the West Virginia State Police before a Magistrate. Therefore, the State could file a new complaint in Magistrate Court, directly present this case to a Grand Jury in Circuit Court, or, take no further action, if deemed appropriate.

The fact that any person may be involved in an investigation should never be taken as evidence of guilt. The filing of a Criminal Complaint and/or the return of an indictment are not evidence of guilt, either. They are merely allegations or accusations made by way of the filing of a formal criminal charge. All persons involved in investigations, charged by a Criminal Complaint and/or indicted are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond all reasonable doubt according to law.

This matter remains under investigation by the West Virginia State Police. No further information may be released at this time.