Investigations by the Crimes Against Children Unit, an arm of the West Virginia State Police, led to the arrest of three men around the state this week.
Ronnie Fazzini, of Clarksburg, allegedly used his employment at Pressley Ridge, a facility for troubled and special- needs youth, to take advantage of a 16-year-old girl, according to a criminal complaint filed in Harrison County Magistrate Court.
The girl became scared after the letters she received from Fazzini, 26, began to include sexual messages, the complaint states. In one letter, Fazzini reportedly told the girl he would change his work schedule to spend more time with her.
Authorities said it was easy to compare Fazzini's unique handwriting with his letters and employment applications.
A search of his home revealed a blue notebook that contained the same paper and handwriting from Fazzini's past letters.
Police arrested him on three counts of sexual abuse by a person in a position of trust to a child. Fazzini was released on a $10,000 bail and could not be reached for comment.
Barry Callahan, of Alkol, allegedly used Facebook to exchange sexual messages, photographs and videos with a 15-year-old girl, according to a criminal complaint filed in Lincoln County Magistrate Court.
In one of the messages, Callahan told the girl he was just released from "lock up," the complaint states.
Police arrested Callahan, 32, on charges of possessing child pornography, soliciting a minor, displaying obscene material with intent to seduce, and using a minor in the production of obscene material.
He remained at the Western Regional Jail in lieu of a $50,000 bail Friday afternoon.
Derrick Berry, of Charles Town, already was booked into jail last month for the alleged sexual assault of two girls in Jefferson County, according to a criminal complaint filed in Berkeley County Magistrate Court.
He allegedly assaulted a third girl in Berkeley County, and Jefferson officials asked investigators to pursue more charges.
Berry, 41, is now accused of inappropriately touching the 10-year-old girl, who referred to him as a "sick-headed guy" in a police interview, the complaint states.
Police arrested Berry on several counts of sexual abuse and sexual assault. He remained at the Eastern Regional Jail in lieu of a $100,000 bail for the original charges and a $400,000 bail for the new charges.
The commander of the Crimes Against Children Unit, Lt. Danny Swiger, said the work of his personnel led to the arrest of more than 200 people last year.
"Sometimes, multiple cases come through here each day," he said.
Reach Giuseppe Sabella at giuseppe.sabella@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5189 or @gsabella on Twitter.