Gerson Brown will spend 300 to 420 months – up to 35 years – in prison after being found guilty of repeatedly raping a nine year old girl.
Brown, 24, began abusing the girl when she was six in 2016, and continued until 2020. He was arrested in April 2021 on multiple charges of statutory rape. The crimes occurred in the home of the victim’s father in Hallsboro over the course of several years, according to warrants and testimony. An adult contacted law enforcement after finding out about the sexual assaults, according to investigators.
The jury heard testimony from the victim, law enforcement, and relatives. Brown also testified in his own defense. The jury also watched the victim’s recorded forensic interview with Carolyn’s Kaleidoscope Child Advocacy Center.
The jury spent a total of around seven hours in deliberation Wednesday and Thursday, Asst. District Attorney Heath Nance said.
“They put the time and thought into this verdict,” he said. “We appreciate their careful consideration in this case.”
Brown was originally charged with multiple counts of statutory rape, according to warrants. Because dates of other offenses could not be confirmed, the state opted to focus on one single charge.
Brown was arrested in November 2021 for communicating threats, while out on bond for the rape charges. He was released on unsecured bond on that charge, and then later picked up for failing to appear.
In March 2021, Brown, Omonte Bell and Anthony Wade Lamb allegedly “popped” a lock on a cell at the Columbus County Detention Center in an attempt to escape. The three never made it past a second set of security doors before being placed back behind bars. Lamb is still awaitng trial for attempted murder and other charges in North and South Carolina. Bell faces two counts of first degree murder for the 2021 killing of Koredeese and Bri-Yanna Taylor in New Hanover county.
“Mr. Brown raped his 9 year old cousin, exploiting the trust of a family relationship.” said Nance. “This type of case deserves the full attention of our justice system and today those efforts resulted in a substantial prison sentence for a sexual predator.” Nance stated, “I appreciate the hard work and commitment of the Columbus County Sheriff’s Department and Carolyn’s Kaleidoscope Child Advocacy Center in bringing justice for this victim, as well as the careful consideration of the jury in this case.”
