A Lees Lake man is held under no bond after he allegedly molested an adolescent girl.
Daniel Allen Cox, 35, was arrested Jan. 29 on charges of second degree forcible sex offence, statutory sex offense, sexual activity by a substitute parent, and intentional physical abuse resulting in serious injury, according to warrants and detention center reports.
The release of some of the information from the CCSO was delayed due to offices being closed in the winter storm last week.
The sheriff’s office Special Victims Unit was contacted by Bladen County Dept. of Social Services after the girl reported the abuse, according to a press release. The alleged acts occurred in Columbus County, the release said. The victim in the case was 11 and 12 at the time of the assaults, according to warrants.
Detectives conducted forensic interviews and the child underwent a physical examination to determine if she had been abused, the report said. Evidence gathered in the investigation led them to obtain arrest warrants for Cox. He is alleged to have performed sex acts on the girl multiple times, as well as causing injuries that left her bruised on her face, arms and back.
“This arrest reflects the dedication and commitment of our Criminal Investigations Division Special Victims Unit to protect children in our community,” said Sheriff Bill Rogers. “We take allegations of child abuse and sexual assault extremely seriously and will pursue justice no matter how close to home these crimes occur.”
