Rusty Marks, Staff Writer, Charleston Gazette (West Virginia)

A longtime Kanawha County Metro 911 dispatcher has been charged with sexual abuse for allegedly fondling a teenage relative.

Joseph Coen Jr., 52, of Pinewood Drive in Sissonville, was arraigned this morning in Kanawha County Magistrate Court on a charge of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian or custodian.

According to a criminal complaint on file in magistrate court, Coen allegedly went into the bedroom of the 16-year-old girl on Sept. 5 and touched her breasts while she was sleeping. He then allegedly kissed her breasts and rubbed her stomach with his hands, according to the criminal complaint.

When the girl realized what was happening, Coen allegedly left the room, but came back a short time later and tried to apologize, the criminal complaint says. The girl told authorities Coen had rubbed her breasts at least one other time, the complaint alleges.

According to the criminal complaint, Coen was confronted by the girl’s mother and allegedly admitted to touching the girl’s breasts. He then apologized, according to the complaint.

Officials for the Kanawha County Metro 911 center said there was no indication that Coen’s Metro 911 duties had anything to do with the charges. He has been suspended with pay “pending his required cooperation in the internal investigation,” according to a news release from Metro 911.

Kanawha County Metro 911 Director Carolyn Charnock said Coen has worked for Metro for 26 years. His latest position was as a shift supervisor.

Coen was free Thursday afternoon after paying a $100 cash bail. If convicted, he faces 10 to 20 years in prison.

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