WHEELING, W.Va. – The Wheeling Police Department has filed criminal charges against Richard L. McCardle, 61, of Wheeling, on one count of child abuse.
On March 9, 2026, Wheeling Police were notified by Ohio County Schools of a physical altercation at Wheeling Middle School involving a student and McCardle, who was the principal at the time.
After a lengthy investigation and consultation with the Ohio County Prosecutor’s Office, a felony charge was filed this morning.
McCardle turned himself in at Wheeling Police headquarters and was arraigned in Ohio County Magistrate Court, where he posted bond.
Due to the sensitive nature of the case involving a juvenile, further information is not being released at this time.
