ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — A 79-year-old has been arrested for sexually abusing a six-year-old girl several times in Rowan County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Detectives with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into Charlie Hedrick, of Woodleaf, in Feb. 2022 after receiving a report of that he had sexually abused a six-year-old girl during 2015.
The now 12-year-old victim informed investigators that he would bring her to his home on Sundays after church, read Bible scriptures to her, and then proceed to molest her. The victim was familiar with Hedrick, according to a news release.
The abuse happened several times during that year, eventually stopping as the child became older, investigators say.
Through evidence gathers during the investigation, Hedrick was arrested Wednesday and charged with first degree sexual offense with victim under 13 and indecent liberties with child, according to deputies.
Hedrick was placed in the Rowan County Jail under a $150,000 secured bond.
The Department of Social Services is working with the sheriff’s office on the investigation.
