By Drew Moody
For the Hur Herald
Steve Lee Dilworth, 36, (left) of Coxs Mill, was arrested yesterday
and charged with felony sexual abuse of a child.
Dilworth is being held in the Central Regional Jail in lieu of
$100,000 bond.
About midnight 911 dispatchers notified police of an argument
at Dilworth's country home. The call came through saying "an individual
needed removed from the residence," according to Senior Trooper
R.P. Smith.
Sr Trooper Smith and Gilmer County Deputy Casey Jones answered the call.
They found Dilworth and a woman arguing in the home. A juvenile
came forward and told police (he/she) had been abused over a five or
six year period.
Apparently the argument was caused by the revelation of the abuse.
Upon questioning Dilworth admitted he had touched the child
improperly over 10 times during the past several years.
The victim told police the instances occurred more frequently,
estimating it had happened perhaps 20 times.
The investigation continued at the home until about 3 a.m. Police arrested
Dilworth and transported him to the regional jail.
Sr Trooper Smith said the investigation is continuing and more charges may
be filed in the case.
At present if found guilty of the charges Dilworth faces a 10-20 year
sentence and fines ranging from $500 to $5,000.
Several attempts were made to contact prosecuting attorney Jerry Hough,
who was unavailable. A spokesperson in his office said typically the
office didn't comment on the status of upcoming criminal cases.
The Hur Herald has withheld the sex, age and specific address of
the victim. The name of the uncharged adult present at the time of
arrest has been withheld as well, along with other information that could harm the victim.
Drew Moody may be contacted at drewmoody@verizon.net
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