PRINCETON, W.Va. – Former Princeton Police Sergeant Christopher Chad Butler was indicted by a Mercer County grand jury this week on two charges.
One of Butler’s charges is sexual abuse by a person in a position of trust to a child. Butler’s indictment alleges he had sexual relations with a student while performing security duties as a school resource officer at Princeton Senior High School between August of 2023 and January of 2024.
“I just want everybody to know that the department and myself we have cooperated 100% with this investigation and we will continue to do so. The department and myself, we do not condone this type of activity. We never have and never will,” said John Howell, Princeton’s Chief of Police.
Howell says Butler was placed on administrative leave last January, pending a West Virginia State Police investigation and an internal probe. Howell says before those investigations were complete, Butler resigned in February of last year.
“I would encourage that if there are any more victims that pertain to butler or any type of this activity that if they would please come forward,” said Howell.
Butler was also indicted on the charge of gross neglect of a child creating substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury. His indictment alleges he allowed a female child to brandish a pistol recklessly in September of 2023.
Butler’s case is being handled by Monroe County’s Prosecuting Attorney, Justin St. Clair to avoid any conflicts of interest.
WVVA also reached out to a representative with Mercer County Schools for a statement on the matter but have not heard back. It’s also unclear if Butler is incarcerated right now and when any future court appearances will be.
The FBI is still looking for additional victims in the situation. You can fill out a form virtually here if you’ve been impacted.
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