Teen charged with statutory rape

WATAUGA COUNTY, N.C.,None — A 19-year-old Sugar Grove man has been charged with statutory rape or sex offense involving a child between ages 4 and 6.

Ryan Neil Hicks of 907 Old Watauga River Road turned himself in Jan. 19 at the Watauga County Sheriff's Office, according to the arrest report.

Capt. Dee Dee Rominger of the Watauga County Sheriff's Office said the claims involved a juvenile who was known to Hicks. The Watauga Democrat does not identify alleged victims of sexual crimes.

She would not say whether the allegations involved a one-time offense or repeated offenses.

Rominger said Hicks was cooperative with the investigation, which progressed quickly.

Hicks was held at the Watauga Detention Center in lieu of a $100,000 secured bond and was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.

This was not Hicks's first brush with the law. He was charged with simple assault in 2008 and with assault and battery in 2009, as well as several drug paraphernalia possession charges, driving infractions and a worthless check charge.

Both assault charges were dismissed, according to court records.

WSOC