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NEW CUMBERLAND -- The mother of a 3-year-old who died in a 2021 house fire in downtown Weirton will spend at least four years behind bars, Hancock County Prosecuting Attorney Steven E. Dragisich reports.
Heather Renee Johnston, 40, had pleaded guilty in December to gross neglect of a child creating substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury and child neglect resulting in death in connection with the March 13, 2021 death of her young son, Keegan. Those charges were filed after authorities determined the door to the youngster's room was locked from the outside.
On Jan. 12, Circuit Judge Jason A. Cumo sentenced Mrs. Johnston to the maximum allowed by law: three to 15 years for child neglect and one to five years for gross neglect, to be served consecutively. She must serve at least four years to be eligible for parole.
Cuomo also sentenced her husband, Wellsburg native Michael Scott Johnston, 38, to one- to five-years behind bars–the maximum allowed–for gross neglect of a child creating
Dragisich said the felony charges "resulted from the diligent and thorough work completed by the Weirton Police Department and the Weirton Fire Department including, but not limited to, Detective Randy Kernen, Detective Brian Beatty, and Lt. Mikel Serafine."
Dragisich and Assistant Prosecutor Herman D. Lantz represented the State. Attorneys John M. Jurco and Michael B. Baum represented Mrs.. Johnston and Attorney Don A. Humberson represented her husband.
Earlier this month Charles William Sims Jr., 53, formerly of Weirton, was told he'll have to spend at least 13 years behind bars for holding his ex wife in her home against her will and beating her with a metal pipe.
Cuomo sentenced Sims to three- to 15-years in prison for the attempted first degree murder plus life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years for kidnapping. Those sentences must be served consecutively, the judge said.
Dragisich said the Sims case also was investigated by Weirton police, and said "the diligent and thorough police work completed" by WPD and Officer Garrett Ammann was instrumental in protecting the victim from further harm.
Dragisich and Lantz also represented the state in the Sims case, with Attorney Kevin L. Neiswonger defending Sims.