In early September 2025, detectives with the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a reported rape of a twelve-year-old. After a thorough investigation, 47-year-old Thomas Edward Carson of Bellaire, Ohio, was charged with Rape of a Minor Under 13 in Eastern Division Court in Belmont County.
This is an ongoing investigation, and other charges may be presented to a grand jury at a later date for consideration. Sheriff James Zusack appreciates the hard work and dedication of his detectives to bring this matter to justice.
The following agencies contributed solid cooperation in this case:
The U.S. Marshals Service (Northern District of West Virginia), the Bellaire Police Department, the Martins Ferry Police Department, the Belmont County Child Protective Services, and the Wheeling Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding Thomas E. Carson may contact the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit at 740-695-7933.
