Updated
Zachary James Foose was sentenced to two years probation a single count of indecent liberties with a minor after making an Alford plea in Columbus County Superior Court.
An Alford plea means a defendant does not admit guilt but understands there might be enough evidence for a conviction of a crime, but instead chooses to accept sentencing without actually pleading or being found guilty.
Foose, 34, will be required to submit a DNA sample and be on the Registered Sex Offender list for 30 years as part of the plea. He has been out on $25,000 secured bond since he was arrested in November 2022.
Foose will not be allowed to be in the presence of children or at any event where children attend. He is also prohibited from having any contact with her under any circumstances. He will be allowed to move to Brunswick County, where he is employed, according to court documents.
The sheriff’s office said in a press release that the child’s mother took the five-year-old girl to the hospital after she woke up on Nov. 8, 2022, and heard her crying. Foose “appeared to be attempting to console the child,” the CCSO said. The child told her mother what happened. Detectives interviewed the child and Foose, and charged Foose with taking indecent liberties and performing a sex act as a substitute parent.
Jenna Earley prosecuted the case for the state. Kevin Bullard was defense counsel. Judge George Hicks of Cumberland County presided.
