Click here for updates on this story
Thomasville, NC (WGHP) — Detectives have filed numerous additional charges in the case of a Thomasville man who was charged last week with disseminating harmful material to a minor, according to a press release.
Police were first alerted to alleged inappropriate behavior against a minor on Aug. 19. During the initial investigation, detectives learned the suspect, 66-year-old Clifford James Colwell Sr., had sent inappropriate text messages to a juvenile.
A Thomasville detective, who is also a member of NC Internet Crimes Against Children task force, pretended to be a minor and engaged in a text messaging conversation with the suspect.
Based on the information gained through the conversation and statements from witnesses, detectives were able to apply for and execute a search warrant at Colwell’s residence.
Evidence collected along with a very detailed forensic interview conducted by The Dragonfly House Children’s Advocacy Center, led detectives to charge Colwell with the following:
Seven counts of indecent liberties with a minor
Six counts of statutory sex offense with a child
Four counts of statutory rape of a child
The offenses allegedly began in 2012 when the victim was 8 years old. The victim is now 14. Colwell received an additional $2 million secured bond. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.
Colwell was previously charged with two counts of disseminating harmful material to a minor.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
