IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF
FAYETTE COUNTY,
WEST VIRGINIA
Juvenile Abuse Neglect No.
25-JA-48
Judge Thomas K. Fast
IN THE INTEREST OF:
A.S. 02/02/2017
Adult Respondents:
Brittany Shumaker
Jonathan Swafford
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
To Whom It May Concern:
The purpose of this action is to protect the child respondent, A.S., from abuse and neglect. The Petitioner, the West Virginia Department of Human Services, is seeking legal and physical custody of said child respondent, A.S. Further, the Petitioner is seeking to locate Brittany Shumaker and Jonathan Swafford, their whereabouts are unknown. Brittany Shumaker is the biological mother of A.S., who was born on February 2, 2017.
Counsel for the Petitioner, the West Virginia Department of Human Services, is William C. Burdick, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, 108 East Maple Avenue, Fayetteville, West Virginia, 25840.
It appearing that the whereabouts of Brittany Shumaker and Jonathan Swafford are presently unknown at this time, it is Ordered that Brittany Shumaker and Jonathan Swafford obtain from the Fayette County Circuit Clerk at the Fayette County Courthouse, Fayetteville, West Virginia, the Petition filed in this matter. Brittany Shumaker and Jonathan Swafford must appear and defend on or before Monday, September 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., in the Courtroom of the Honorable Thomas K. Fast, Fayette County Courthouse, Fayetteville, West Virginia, at which time a preliminary hearing will be held. Failure to answer and defend could result in a default judgment, and loss of parental rights.
Further, it is hereby Ordered that Brittany Shumaker and Jonathan Swafford be advised of their right to have counsel at every stage of these proceedings. Brittany Shumaker and Jonathan Swafford are further advised that such proceedings may result in the severance of parental rights and the transfer of custody of said child unto the Petitioner.
The child respondent, A.S., shall be represented by counsel at every stage of these proceedings. The guardian ad litem appointed for said child is Evan Dove, P.O. Box 746, Fayetteville, WV, 25840; 304.574.2182
ENTERED by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Fayette County this the 27th day of August 2025.
/s/ William C. Burdick
WILLIAM C. BURDICK
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
ID: 876565