Grafton, October 6, 2025
News Summary
In Grafton, West Virginia, multiple arrests have been made in connection with a shocking kidnapping case involving a 5-year-old girl. Clinton Beavers faces serious charges including kidnapping and sexual assault after allegedly abducting the child. The incident, which raised community alarm, also saw various arrests in Laurens County for unrelated offenses, highlighting ongoing crime issues in the region. Authorities have urged locals to remain vigilant as investigations continue.
Grafton, West Virginia — Multiple Arrests Related to Kidnapping and Disturbances
Several arrests have been reported in the Laurens County area, amid alarming developments in a kidnapping case involving a child in Grafton. Authorities have detained multiple individuals for various charges, highlighting both serious criminal behavior and misuse of law enforcement resources.
Clinton Beavers, a 44-year-old man from Grafton, is currently facing severe charges, including first-degree sexual assault and kidnapping, after allegedly abducting a 5-year-old girl. The incident occurred on West Main Street when Beavers reportedly pretended to be the girl’s father before taking her against her will. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the young girl escape from nearby woods, crying for help.
Medical evaluations conducted after the girl’s escape revealed physical evidence indicating she had been assaulted, with dirt and leaves found around her genitals. The girl disclosed that she had experienced multiple instances of sexual assault by Beavers. Surveillance footage has confirmed that Beavers was indeed in the area during the time of the incident. After being apprehended, he was evasive during questioning and expressed a desire to enter rehabilitation. Currently, he is being held in Tygart Valley Regional Jail with no bond set.
In a separate incident, law enforcement has made arrests related to various offenses in the Laurens County area. Molly Mintern from Clinton was arrested for unlawful use of a 911 number and giving false information to law enforcement. Her sister, Alana Mintern, also from Clinton, has been charged with filing a false police report of a misdemeanor violation.
Additionally, Kara Hozeny from Mauldin was arrested for receiving stolen goods valued at $2,000 or less and for driving under suspension, marking her first offense not related to DUI. These arrests highlight ongoing issues with police resource misuse and general criminal activity in the region.
On a broader scale, there was also a significant incident involving U.S. Border Patrol in Mooers Forks, NY. On July 1, authorities apprehended five Iranian citizens and two men from Uzbekistan for illegal entry into the United States, following reports of suspicious activities in the area. All seven individuals are now in custody and awaiting removal proceedings.
As authorities investigate these incidents, many in the community are expressing concerns about safety and criminal behavior both in their neighborhoods and nationally. The Grafton kidnapping case in particular has reignited discussions around child safety and law enforcement responsiveness to serious crimes.
Forecasts for the area on this day report generally cloudy weather with a slight chance of rain. The high temperature is expected to reach 77°F, accompanied by winds from the east-northeast at 5 to 10 mph. Overnight, temperatures will drop to a low of 62°F with light and variable winds.
Additional Context on Recent Arrests
The disturbing nature of the kidnapping case involving a child has raised significant alarm among residents, who are now questioning safety measures and the effectiveness of emergency response systems in their community. Meanwhile, the various arrests related to false reports and receiving stolen goods portray an ongoing struggle with crime in the Laurens County area.
Summary of Key Arrests
| Name | Location | Charge(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Clinton Beavers | Grafton | Kidnapping, First-degree sexual assault |
| Molly Mintern | Clinton | Unlawful use of 911, Giving false information |
| Alana Mintern | Clinton | Filing a false police report |
| Kara Hozeny | Mauldin | Receiving stolen goods, Driving under suspension |
| Five Iranian Citizens | Mooers Forks, NY | Illegal entry |
| Two Uzbekistan Men | Mooers Forks, NY | Illegal entry |
FAQ
Who was arrested for kidnapping in Grafton?
Clinton Beavers, a 44-year-old man from Grafton, was arrested for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl.
What charges were filed against Molly Mintern?
Molly Mintern from Clinton was arrested for unlawful use of a 911 number and giving false information to law enforcement.
What happened in Mooers Forks, NY?
In Mooers Forks, NY, the U.S. Border Patrol arrested five Iranian citizens and two from Uzbekistan for illegal entry into the U.S.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WDTV: Grafton Man Arrested for Kidnapping
- Wikipedia: Kidnapping
- WWNYTV: Border Patrol Arrests
- Google Search: Border Patrol arrests
- CNY Central: Oneida County Sheriff Arrests
- Google Scholar: Law Enforcement Arrests
- ABC News: Suspect Arrested After Couple Killed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- KTTN: Clinton County Man Held Without Bond
- Google News: Clinton County Crime
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The CLINTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREClinton.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Clinton, Laurens County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Discovery, Clinton Community Day, and performances at the Whitten Center Amphitheater. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Laurens County Historical Society, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and education that power the local economy such as Milliken & Company and Presbyterian College. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
