The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

March 12, 2008

Missing 4-year-old found unharmed in Arnett; mother arrested

By Amelia A. Pridemore

A Raleigh County child reported missing last Friday has been found, and his mother faces criminal charges, sheriff’s deputies said.

The child, Robert Jamiason Seth “R.J.” Bolen, 4, was found Tuesday afternoon at his maternal grandfather’s residence, the old Mount View Elementary School near Arnett, according to Sgt. Larry Lilly, chief of detectives, and Deputy Bobby Stump.

The former school building has been used as a private residence for about 12 years.

Child Protective Services took custody of the boy, who is believed to be OK, Lilly said.

The boy’s mother, Brandi Bolen, 23, of Glen Daniel, was charged with child concealment, a felony, Lilly said. She was taken to Southern Regional Jail Tuesday to await arraignment.

Stump said deputies received an anonymous tip around 11 a.m. Tuesday and went to the location. Brandi Bolen was found passed out on a mattress on the floor. Three young children, between 3 and 5 years old, were found running through the building’s hallways. The other children were also taken into CPS custody.

About 20 people were found inside the building, including Robert Bolen Jr., the child’s grandfather, Stump said. He noted the elder Bolen was cooperative with authorities.

Lilly said more people could face charges, but deputies must first confer with prosecutors.

The incident began at an emergency custody hearing last Friday in Raleigh County Circuit Court, Deputy J.B. Grose said. Brandi Bolen showed up, but she did not bring her son. She was told to get the boy, but she never returned.

Deputy M.P. Price and Stump took Brandi Bolen into custody, Lilly said.

Register-Herald reporter Michelle James contributed to this report.

— E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com

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