The Latest:
Sherry Lyden, 28, will spend the next 12 to 19 years in prison after a judge sentenced her Tuesday in Burke County Superior Court.
Lyden was sentenced after pleading guilty to statutory sex offense with a child.
Officials say Lyden was charged after authorities found images on David Barnes’ phone, which showed her engaging in sexual activity with a 4-year-old girl. The images were reportedly taken in January of 2018, and were found as part of a homicide investigation involving Barnes in August.
Barnes’ murder and sexual exploitation cases are still pending.
Original Story (Aug. 24, 2018):
HICKORY, N.C. — Deputies with the Burke County Sheriff’s Office say a murder investigation led to a woman being charged with sex offenses against a child.
A search warrant was issued for the phone of David Barnes, a man who was charged with the murder of Roger Hoglan, on August 15th.
During the forensic preview of Barnes’ phone, investigators say they found images that broadened the investigation.
A witness to the homicide, 27-year-old Sherry Lyden, was brought in for an interview in reference to the evidence collected on the phone.
After the interview, Lyden was charged with statutory sex offense with a child by an adult. Police say the child pornography investigation is continuing for both Lyden and Barnes.
