Bridgeport, Harrison County Law Enforcers Searching Bridgeport High School Field House
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on July 21, 2017 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
UPDATE 6 P.M. Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny has confirmed that Bridgeport's Joshua Nicewarner has been arrested and arraigned in Harrison County Magistrate Court.
Nicewarner, 34, of Bridgeport, has been charged with (1) Solicitation of a minor and (2) Use of obscene matter with intent to seduce a minor. If found guilty of the first offense, Nicewarner could serve two to 10 years and/or up to $5,000. Maximum penalty for the second offense is up to five years and/or up to $25,0000, according to a statement signed by Nicewarner and now of public record.
According to the criminal complaint filed, Nicewarner sent photos and videos to a minor girl and asked that photos be sent in return. The activity allegedly took place over a two-month time period. It was the minor’s parents who came forward with the allegations against Nicewarner.
He has been released on $20,000 bond. Superintendent of Harrison County Schools Dr. Mark Manchin said he will recommend Nicewarner's termination at next week's meeting of the Harrison County Board of Education. In addition to serving as Bridgeport High School's head football coach, he is also a teacher at Liberty High School.
UPDATE 5:30 P.M.: Superintendent of Harrison County Schools Dr. Mark Manchin confirmed that a search warrant was executed at Liberty High School this afternoon, as well as the Bridgeport High School field house. He also confirmed that a Board of Education employee has been suspended.
“It was a male employee who has been immediately suspended without pay and pending further investigation and the gathering of more information, we may have to address that further,” Manchin said. “Due to the very, very sensitive nature of the allegations, we are not ready to issue the name at this time.”
Manchin said that he has been in contact with the Harrison County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and that the individual is in custody.
ORIGINAL POST: Bridgeport Police and Harrison County Sheriff deputies are on scene at Bridgeport High School field house where a search warrant is being executed. Authorities arrived shortly after 3 p.m., witnesses said.
Connect-Bridgeport has talked with Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny who said he could not release any information at this time.
Calls have also been placed to various members of Bridgeport PD. We have also reached out to BHS administration and athletic director, as well as superintendent of Harrison County Schools and await responses.
WDTV reports that a search warrant was also executed this afternoon at Liberty High School.
As of 5:30 p.m., authorities had left Bridgeport High School.
Stay tuned to Connect-Bridgeport for more information.
Photos taken today at parking area at Bridgeport City Park and just outside BHS Fieldhouse
