Raleigh County Man Arrested in Months-Long Larceny Investigation
RALEIGH COUNTY, W.Va. – A Raleigh County man is in custody following a months-long investigation into a series of larceny complaints originating at a local business. Christopher Beickert was apprehended on Monday, February 16, 2026, according to the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began on December 31, 2025, when Corporal R. McDaniel of the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office began looking into multiple reports of larceny at American Mine Power, located at 157 Willis Ave. In Crab Orchard. Corporal McDaniel’s investigation led to the identification of Beickert as a suspect, and warrants were subsequently obtained for his arrest.
Beickert now faces a multitude of charges, including seven counts of conspiracy to commit misdemeanor, seven counts of transferring or receiving stolen property, seven counts of obtaining goods under false pretenses, two counts of grand larceny, and two counts of destruction of property. The charges reflect the breadth of the alleged criminal activity uncovered during the investigation.
Sheriff Frank Priddy and Chief Deputy Frankie Shelton publicly commended Corporal McDaniel for his “thorough investigation,” and also extended praise to Corporal J. Hensley and Deputy Payne for their contributions to locating and apprehending Beickert. Their efforts were instrumental in bringing the suspect into custody after several months of investigative work.
The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office was careful to emphasize, in a released statement, that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This standard legal caution underscores the ongoing nature of the judicial process.
While details regarding the specific items stolen or the nature of the “destruction of property” charges have not been released, the investigation appears to have focused on incidents occurring at American Mine Power. The scope of the charges suggests a potentially significant financial impact on the business.
The arrest of Beickert marks a significant development in a case that has been under investigation for several months. The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate, and further details may emerge as the case progresses through the legal system.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
