IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF
FAYETTE COUNTY,
WEST VIRGINIA
Juvenile Abuse Neglect No.
23-JA-47
23-JA-48
Judge Paul M. Blake, Jr.
IN THE INTEREST OF:
M.B.H. 06/08/2015
K.R. 12/03/2011
Adult Respondents:
Wanda Bennett
Coritha Higginbotham
Dale Rose
Christopher Thomas
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
To Whom It May Concern:
The purpose of this action is to protect the child respondents, M.B.H., and K.R., from abuse and neglect. The Petitioner, the West Virginia Department of Human Services, is seeking legal and physical custody of said child respondents, M.B.H. and K.R.
Further, the Petitioner is seeking to locate Christopher Thomas, his whereabouts are unknown. Christopher Thomas is the biological father of M.B.H., who was born on June 8, 2015. Wanda Bennett is the biological mother of M.B.H.
Further, the Petitioner is seeking to locate Coritha Higginbotham, her whereabouts are unknown. Coritha Higginbotham is the biological mother of K.R., who was born on December 3, 2011. Dale Rose is the biological father of K.R.
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 Coritha Higginbotham and Christopher Thomas are presently unknown at this time, it is Ordered that Coritha Higginbotham and Christopher Thomas obtain from the Fayette County Circuit Clerk at the Fayette County Courthouse, Fayetteville, West Virginia, the Petition filed in this matter. Coritha Higginbotham and Christopher Thomas must appear and defend on or before Monday, March 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., located in the Courtroom of the Honorable Paul M. Blake, Jr., Fayette County Courthouse, Fayetteville, West Virginia, at which time an adjudicatory 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 Coritha Higginbotham and Christopher Thomas be advised of their right to have counsel at every stage of these proceedings. Coritha Higginbotham and Christopher Thomas 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 respondents, M.B.H. and K.R., shall be represented by counsel at every stage of these proceedings. The Guardian ad Litem appointed for said child is Vickie Hylton, P.O. Box 928, Beaver, WV 25813; 304.252.6620.
ENTERED by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Fayette County this 6th day of February, 2024
/s/ WILLIAM C. BURDICK
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
ID: 772711