Potomac Highlands Regional Jail Inmate Mugshots are publicly available through multiple official channels, updated every fifteen minutes to reflect new bookings, releases, and case developments. The jail, located at 13 Dolin Drive in Augusta, West Virginia, serves Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Mineral, and Pendleton counties. Each mugshot entry includes the inmate’s full name, booking date, charges, bond amount, court date, and a thumbnail of the arrest photo. Recent entries show Kimberly Brafford booked March 12, 2024 for possession of a controlled substance, and Pablo Barreto processed April 5, 2024 for burglary and parole violation. The online portal allows attorneys, family members, and the public to track real-time custody status and legal progress.
How to View Potomac Highlands Regional Jail Inmate Mugshots Online
The fastest way to view Potomac Highlands Regional Jail Inmate Mugshots is through the official West Virginia Regional Jail Authority’s OIS Offender Search tool. This statewide database updates every fifteen minutes and lists current inmates by name, ID number, or sentencing county. Each record displays the inmate’s booking photo, charge details, bond information, and next court appearance. The system also flags cases involving sexual assault investigations, ensuring transparency and compliance with state law. Users can access the search portal directly through the West Virginia government website or via third-party aggregators that pull data from official sources.
Another reliable source is Arre.st, which compiles arrest logs from over 10,000 U.S. correctional facilities, including Potomac Highlands Regional Jail. The site organizes mugshots by date and charge type, allowing users to filter results by county or offense. Each entry includes a permanent URL for legal or media use. While Arre.st provides quick access, it sources data from official jail feeds, so information matches the state’s OIS database. For accuracy, always cross-check mugshot details with the official WV OIS portal.
Requesting Mugshots by Mail or Phone
Individuals unable to use online tools can request Potomac Highlands Regional Jail Inmate Mugshots by mail or phone. Send written requests to 13 Dolin Drive, Augusta, WV 26704, addressed to “Attention: Media Relations – Inmate Mugshot Request.” Include the inmate’s full name, date of birth, and booking date if known. For phone requests, call 304‑496‑1275 during business hours. Staff will verify your identity and provide instructions for obtaining the photo. Processing may take 3–5 business days, and fees may apply for printed copies or expedited service.
Note that mugshot requests are subject to West Virginia public records laws. The jail may redact sensitive information to protect victim privacy or ongoing investigations. Requests related to active criminal cases may require approval from the court or prosecutor’s office. Always specify the purpose of your request—such as legal research, media reporting, or personal use—to ensure proper handling.
Understanding the Mugshot Release Policy
Potomac Highlands Regional Jail follows strict guidelines for releasing inmate mugshots. Photos are published only after formal booking and charging. The jail does not release images of juveniles, individuals not formally charged, or those released without prosecution. Mugshots remain online until the inmate is released or transferred, even if charges are dropped. This policy supports public safety and transparency but has sparked debate over privacy rights. West Virginia law permits mugshot publication as part of the arrest record, which is considered public information.
The jail also complies with federal regulations under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA). Any mugshot linked to a sexual misconduct investigation is flagged in the system, and reports are forwarded to the WV State Police. Victims can request removal of their image if they were misidentified or if the case was dismissed. Contact the facility administrator or call (304) 558‑2110 to report errors or request corrections.
Visitation Rules and Inmate Communication
Potomac Highlands Regional Jail allows non-contact visitation on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Visitors must call 304‑496‑7057 at least one day in advance to schedule an appointment. Slots are assigned on a first-call, first-served basis between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Each visit lasts 15 minutes, with a 30-minute break required between appointments. Visitors must arrive 15 minutes early, present a government-issued photo ID, and follow the dress code—no offensive language, gang symbols, or revealing clothing.
Communication occurs through a transparent barrier using monitored telephones. All conversations are recorded and may be reviewed by jail staff. Visitors are prohibited from passing items, taking photos, or discussing ongoing investigations. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Failure to comply with rules may result in suspension of visitation privileges.
Inmates can receive voicemail messages via a dedicated service. Friends and family call 877‑650‑4249 to obtain a local extension tied to the inmate’s ID number. Messages are charged per minute and deducted from the inmate’s commissary account. Content must be respectful and free of threats, coded language, or illegal instructions. Jail staff monitor all recordings and may block messages that violate policy.
Reporting Sexual Misconduct and Abuse
The West Virginia Regional Jail Authority enforces a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse and harassment. Anyone aware of alleged misconduct—whether from an inmate, staff member, or visitor—must report it immediately. Reports can be made to the facility administrator on-site or by calling the central office at (304) 558‑2110. Trained investigators document each complaint, initiate an internal review, and involve the West Virginia State Police when necessary.
This protocol aligns with the 2022 amendment to WV Code §61‑4‑20, which mandates swift action to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable. The law requires jails to provide confidential reporting options, medical care, and counseling for survivors. Inmates can report abuse without fear of retaliation, and all cases are tracked in the OIS database. Public access to these records helps advocacy groups monitor jail conditions and push for reforms.
Using the OIS Offender Search for Background Checks
The OIS Offender Search tool is the most comprehensive resource for verifying criminal history in West Virginia. Users can search by name, offender ID, or sentencing county to retrieve detailed records, including charges, sentencing dates, parole eligibility, and current custody status. The system also shows whether an inmate is housed at Potomac Highlands Regional Jail or another facility. Data updates hourly, ensuring accuracy for employers, landlords, and legal professionals.
For example, searching “Kimberly Brafford” returns her March 12, 2024 booking for drug possession, bond amount, and scheduled court date. The record confirms she is currently held at PHRJ. Similarly, “Pablo Barreto” shows his April 5, 2024 arrest for burglary and parole violation. The OIS portal also flags open investigations, helping users assess risk before making decisions about employment, housing, or personal safety.
Employers and agencies should use OIS data responsibly. While mugshots and arrest records are public, they do not prove guilt. Always verify information with court records or legal counsel before taking adverse action. Misuse of inmate data may violate privacy laws or lead to civil liability.
Social Media and Community Updates
BustedNewspaper operates a Facebook page dedicated to Potomac Highlands Regional Jail, with over 4,300 followers from surrounding counties. The page posts daily updates on recent arrests, including mugshots, charges, and court dates. Community members comment to request details or share concerns, and administrators respond within 24 hours. The platform also shares public safety alerts, such as wanted notices or missing persons reports.
While BustedNewspaper provides timely information, it is not an official source. Always confirm details with the jail or OIS database. The page has helped locate fugitives and reunite families but has also faced criticism for sensationalism. Users should treat social media posts as preliminary alerts, not legal records.
Inmate Search Tools and Third-Party Websites
Several third-party sites offer inmate search services for Potomac Highlands Regional Jail, including Jailexchange, Inmate Lookup, and USA County Records. These platforms aggregate data from official sources and present it in user-friendly formats. They allow searches by name, location, or charge type and often include mugshots, bond details, and visitation rules.
However, third-party sites may charge fees for detailed reports or display outdated information. Always verify results with the official OIS portal or jail website. Free tools like Arre.st and the WV OIS database provide the same data without cost. Be cautious of sites that sell background checks or promise “instant” mugshots—these often lack accuracy or violate privacy standards.
Legal Rights and Privacy Concerns
Inmates at Potomac Highlands Regional Jail retain certain rights, including access to medical care, legal representation, and protection from abuse. Mugshots are part of the public record, but individuals can request removal if the charges were dismissed or expunged. West Virginia allows expungement for certain non-violent offenses after a waiting period. Contact the court or a legal aid organization to start the process.
Families and advocates should know that mugshot publication does not imply guilt. Arrests can be mistaken, and charges may be reduced or dropped. Public databases sometimes retain records longer than necessary, affecting employment and housing opportunities. The jail encourages accurate reporting and welcomes corrections to its online logs.
Contact Information and Facility Details
Potomac Highlands Regional Jail is located at 13 Dolin Drive, Augusta, WV 26704. The main phone number is 304‑496‑1275. For media inquiries or mugshot requests, use the address above with “Attention: Media Relations.” Visiting hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays by appointment only. Call 304‑496‑7057 to schedule. The jail operates under the West Virginia Regional Jail & Correctional Facility Authority, which oversees all regional facilities in the state.
For official records, use the OIS Offender Search at apps.wv.gov/OIS/OffenderSearch/RJA/Offender. This portal provides the most accurate and up-to-date information on inmate status, charges, and court dates. Always rely on government sources for legal or official purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are Potomac Highlands Regional Jail Inmate Mugshots updated? The online portal refreshes every fifteen minutes, showing new bookings, releases, and court updates in real time. This ensures attorneys, families, and the public have access to the latest information.
Can I request a mugshot if the person was not charged? No. Mugshots are only released after formal booking and charging. If charges are dropped or the person is released without prosecution, the photo may remain online but is not updated with new case details.
Are mugshots removed after release? Generally, no. Mugshots stay in public databases even after release, as they are part of the arrest record. However, individuals can request expungement or corrections through the court if the case was dismissed.
How do I report inaccurate information in a mugshot record? Contact the jail administrator at 304‑496‑1275 or the WV Regional Jail Authority at (304) 558‑2110. Provide the inmate’s name, booking date, and details of the error. Staff will review and correct the record if needed.
Can I visit an inmate without a scheduled appointment? No. All visits must be scheduled at least one day in advance by calling 304‑496‑7057. Walk-in visits are not permitted, and appointments are limited to 15 minutes per session.
Is there a fee to view mugshots online? No. The OIS Offender Search and Arre.st provide free access to mugshots and arrest records. Third-party sites may charge fees, but official sources do not.
What should I do if I see signs of abuse in a mugshot? Report it immediately to the facility administrator or call (304) 558‑2110. The jail takes all allegations seriously and will investigate promptly. You can also contact the West Virginia State Police.