Kenneth Cook Indicted on 152 Charges in Decade-Long Incest and Abuse Case Involving His Daughter Alexzandrea Thomas: Shocking Allegations Reveal Years of Abuse and Neglect in Raleigh County, West Virginia

BECKLEY, W.Va. — The community of Raleigh County, West Virginia, remains in deep shock following the indictment of Kenneth Ray Cook, 44, on a staggering 152 criminal charges related to an ongoing case of sexual abuse and incest involving his biological daughter, Alexzandrea Thomas. The allegations paint a harrowing picture of abuse stretching over more than a decade, beginning when the victim was just 9 years old and continuing until adulthood.

Authorities allege that Cook subjected his daughter to unimaginable trauma beginning in 2012, a time when Alexzandrea was a young child. This case, now one of the most disturbing in recent West Virginia history, highlights severe failings that allowed this abuse to continue unchecked for years, resulting in the birth of three children who themselves became victims of neglect.

The Indictment: A Comprehensive List of Charges

Initially arrested in April 2025, Kenneth Cook was originally charged with several offenses including sexual abuse, sexual assault, child neglect, and three counts of incest. However, following a thorough grand jury review and the gathering of new evidence—particularly key testimony from a sheriff’s deputy who was closely involved in the investigation—Cook now faces a dramatically expanded list of charges totaling 152.

The vast majority of these charges—149 counts—are for incest, an especially heinous crime due to the abuse of trust and familial bonds. The new indictment, released on June 3, 2025, contains charges spanning from the onset of abuse in 2012 up through July 2024, marking an unrelenting decade of criminal behavior.

Among the charges, Cook faces multiple counts of sexual assault and abuse, as well as additional counts linked to child welfare violations due to the neglect of the three children born as a direct result of the abuse.

The Discovery and Investigation

The case came to public attention earlier this year, after authorities were alerted to signs of abuse and neglect within the family. According to law enforcement sources, a detailed investigation uncovered the deeply troubling reality that Cook had repeatedly violated his daughter for over a decade, with devastating consequences.

The three children born during this period were found in alarming conditions, suffering from severe neglect. Particularly concerning was the condition of the youngest child, just 1 year old, who was discovered in especially poor health in August 2024. This discovery prompted additional child welfare charges and spurred calls for immediate intervention.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, have worked tirelessly to piece together the full scope of the abuse. Forensic interviews, medical examinations, and testimonies were crucial in building the case against Cook. The sheriff’s deputy whose testimony was instrumental in the grand jury indictment described the evidence as “overwhelming and heartbreaking.”

The Broader Impact and Community Outrage

The shocking nature of this case has sent ripples through the community and across the state, reigniting important conversations about how such prolonged abuse could remain hidden for so long. Advocates for child welfare and abuse survivors have expressed outrage and sorrow, emphasizing the need for better systems to detect and prevent abuse.

Local residents of Raleigh County have described feeling stunned and betrayed by the revelations, many questioning whether there were missed opportunities for intervention by social services, schools, neighbors, or family members.

“This case is a stark reminder of how crucial it is to remain vigilant and proactive when it comes to child protection,” said a local advocate. “It underscores the importance of creating safe spaces where children can speak out and be heard, and where signs of abuse are not overlooked.”

Legal Proceedings and Current Status

Kenneth Cook has been held in custody at the Southern Regional Jail since March 2025, following his initial arrest. He remains detained on a $500,000 bond and faces serious legal consequences if convicted on any of the 152 charges. Legal experts predict that this case could result in a lengthy trial, given the extensive nature of the allegations and the volume of evidence presented.

At present, prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges or further indictments, pending ongoing investigation. Officials have also not publicly commented on whether any other individuals—such as family members, caretakers, or professionals—may face legal scrutiny for failing to report or act on the abuse over the years.

The complexity of the case has drawn attention to the need for reform in the way long-term abuse cases are detected and prosecuted, especially in rural and close-knit communities where victims may feel trapped or isolated.

Child Welfare Concerns: The Fate of the Children

The three children born as a result of the abuse are currently in protective custody under the care of child welfare services. Authorities have emphasized that their health and safety are top priorities as they receive medical and psychological care.

The youngest child’s discovery in poor condition last August was a critical moment in the case. The infant’s state underscored the ongoing risks faced by victims of abuse and neglect, even after law enforcement is alerted.

Child welfare professionals have stressed that the impact of abuse—particularly of this magnitude—can be lifelong, affecting not only physical health but emotional and psychological development as well. Efforts are underway to ensure the children receive trauma-informed care and support services tailored to their complex needs.

National and Regional Attention on Child Abuse Cases

This case has drawn national attention due to the extraordinary number of charges and the prolonged nature of the abuse. It highlights ongoing challenges faced by child protective services, law enforcement, and social support systems in addressing incest and long-term familial abuse.

Experts note that cases involving incest are often among the hardest to uncover and prosecute due to the secrecy, fear, and manipulation involved. Victims may be coerced into silence or may lack avenues to seek help, especially when abuse begins at a young age.

“This case exemplifies the importance of community awareness and multi-agency collaboration in protecting vulnerable children,” said a child protection specialist. “It also reminds us that abuse is not always isolated or brief—sometimes it stretches over many years and requires persistent vigilance.”

Calls for Reform and Preventative Measures

In the wake of the indictment, advocates and officials are calling for renewed efforts to strengthen child abuse prevention programs, improve training for professionals in schools and healthcare settings, and increase resources for social services.

Community leaders in Raleigh County have pledged to work with state and federal agencies to enhance protocols aimed at detecting abuse earlier and supporting victims more effectively.

The case has also intensified discussions around the stigma and difficulties faced by survivors of incest and familial abuse, who may suffer in silence due to fear, shame, or societal pressures.

The Investigation Continues

As legal proceedings against Kenneth Cook move forward, law enforcement continues to investigate all facets of the case. Authorities remain committed to uncovering the full truth, bringing justice for the victims, and preventing future tragedies.

Officials urge anyone with information related to the case or similar abuse to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in protecting children.