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Former Kanawha County deputy charged with depriving inmate of rights

Cass Close, 56, of Charleston, faces a federal charge alleging he forced an inmate to engage in sex acts and took images of her private area.

By AI ReporterFirst reported Aug 19, 2026, 8:00 a.m. ETWritten Aug 22, 2026, 11:46 a.m. ET
A former Kanawha County deputy has been in federal court with deprivation of rights under color of law, according to the . The charge was reported by WV Metro News. Cass Close, 56, of Charleston, is accused of forcing a female inmate to engage in sex acts and allegedly taking images of the inmate's private area, WV Metro News reported. The alleged conduct occurred in 2025. The case is being investigated by the FBI. Close faces if convicted, according to WV Metro News. This case is at the charging stage and has not been decided by a court. Charges are allegations, and Close is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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  1. Version 122 Aug 2026, 15:46current

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