CONFESSED Defendant Lawrence "Grasshopper" Puffenbarger from Pendleton County, Franklin, WV is a chilling failure of the legal system. This man, known under the seemingly harmless nickname "Grasshopper," has been indicted by a grand jury on seven counts of child sexual assault involving young victims under 12. Alarmingly, reports indicating his involvement in such horrifying crimes stretch back over 30 years. Yet, he has been able to circumvent the full weight of justice due to what is perceived as the inaction of elected Prosecutor April Mallow. 

This petition is not simply about one man, Lawrence, but represents a collective call from all those pained victims and their families demanding the justice that has been denied to them for so long. I, a mother of one such victim, and many others, refuse to stand silently while our children's precarious lives are treated with such blatant disregard.

It's time we send a clear message to the legal fraternity, that perpetrators, no matter how well-hidden or how long ago their crimes were committed, must face the consequences of their actions. We demand an immediate review of this case and of Prosecutor April Mallow's handling of reports against Lawrence. This is not just about punishing Lawrence, but it's about ensuring a safer future for our children. Stand with us, demand justice, and let's ensure that the legal system doesn't fail our children again.

I am a mother of a victim and I am advocating for many others who have suffered at the hands of Lawrence "Grasshopper" Puffenbarger in Pendleton County, Franklin, WV. This man, who innocuously hides behind the nickname "Grasshopper," was indicted by a grand jury on seven counts of child sexual assault involving a child under twelve years of age. Despite numerous reports against him dating back 30 years, he has largely evaded prosecution due to the perceived inaction of elected Prosecutor April Mallow and previous other elected officials and attorneys in the towns history. 

What's more disheartening? The defendant has been on home incarceration since the 24th of October, 2023, while his victims, their families, and their supporters continue to suffer. The trauma caused multiplies every day he breathes the air of freedom and faces no consequence for his horrifying actions.

We cannot continue letting victims suffer in silence. The law needs to stand by those who've been wronged, and ensure the guilty face their due punishments. Justice not served is a promise not kept. As it stands, this man, who is a Social Security Recipient, is out in society, enabled by his surety, Karen Sue Sponaugle, who has collected his benefits while allowing him to perpetrate his crimes.

The prosecution and appropriate sentencing of Grasshopper is not just about administering justice for past wrongs—it is also about protecting future potential victims and making a firm statement that such criminal behavior will not be tolerated in our society.

To move forward with their lives, the victims need the assurance that the man who inflicts such harm will pay for his crimes. We demand immediate action in the case of Lawrence "Grasshopper" Puffenbarger. We insist on swift justice. Please lend your voice to this urgent cause to protect the future of our young girls by signing this petition.

Please, sign this petition; your support is our strength.