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Ex-Officer and Firefighter Charged with Rape, Arson, and Witness Tampering
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A former West Virginia police officer and firefighter has been charged with multiple federal crimes, including rape, arson, and witness tampering.
According to court documents, Christopher Osborne, 25, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Charleston for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old minor female while acting under color of law; destroying a 49-year-old woman’s property without lawful justification; using fire to commit a felony; and making false statements to investigators.
The indictment alleges that Osborne, while acting in his official capacity as a police officer and firefighter, committed the following crimes:
• Sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in January 2021, resulting in bodily injury to her. The offense included aggravated sexual abuse, attempted aggravated sexual abuse, kidnapping, and attempted kidnapping.
• Destroying the property and dwelling of a 49-year-old woman in November 2019 without lawful justification. The offense included the use and attempted use of fire.
• Using fire to commit a felony, which carries a mandatory penalty of ten years.
• Knowingly engaging in misleading conduct toward investigators with the intent to hinder a federal investigation by falsely denying engaging in any sexual contact or sexual act with his 16-year-old victim.
The maximum penalties for the charges range from 10 to 20 years in prison. The FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office investigated the case with support from the West Virginia State Police and the West Virginia State Fire Marshals.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston for the Southern District of West Virginia, and FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Mike Nordwall made the announcement.
Anyone with information about Christopher Osborne should contact the FBI’s Charleston Resident Agency at 304-346-2300.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
Key Facts
- State: West Virginia
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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