UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Dorian Harper pleaded guilty to six felony charges and one misdemeanor in Union County court Wednesday morning.
Harper is accused of hand-cuffing an 11-year-old foster child to a porch railing and putting a dead chicken tied around his neck.Β
Harper had earlier rejected a plea deal, and a jury was seated Tuesday afternoon. Opening statements were scheduled to start Wednesday, but the jury never reported to the courtroom and the judge announced a 30-minute delay in proceedings.
The state will consolidate Harper’s charges to three class e felonies, served consecutively. His maximum sentence is 44 years, five months.Β
During the hearing, prosecutors say Harper twisted the 11-year-old victim’s pinky with pliers and cut his face with a knife as punishment. Β Investigators say the house was very dirty with urine and feces on the floor. Β They also claimed the children barely had any clothing on even though it was cold outside.
Prosecutors also stated that other children in the home would sneak food to the 11-year-old victim.
Harper worked as an emergency room nurse before he was charged.Β
Harper’s partner, Wanda Sue Larson, a former Union County Social Worker, is scheduled to go on trial on similar charges in April. She was transferred to the Union County Jail in anticipation of possibly testifying against Harper.Β
