Weirton man sentenced in sexual abuse case

Joshua Hoit, 39, was sentenced to 30 to 60 years of incarceration after pleading guilty to three counts of sexual abuse by a custodian. The charges involved inappropriate sexual contact with a minor in his care, with more than 60 counts dismissed as part of a plea agreement. At the hearing, his attorney, Donald Humberson, advocated for concurrent sentences, but Brooke County Prosecutor Allison Cowden recommended consecutive terms due to the trauma inflicted on the victim. Hoit, who was a victim of abuse in his youth, expressed his regret and a desire to avoid further trauma to the victim. He also stated his willingness to undergo sexual offender counseling during probation.

Cowden highlighted the ongoing counseling that the victim has undergone as a result of Hoit’s actions. The sentence aims to hold Hoit accountable while also addressing the needs of the victim. This case underscores the serious implications of custodial abuse and the importance of supporting victims in their recovery.