Investigators: Man Sexually Assaulted Six Boys

Half a dozen men claim they were sexually assaulted by a family friend who took them on camping and fishing trips.

Burke County sheriff’s deputies and the State Bureau of Investigation began investigating Larry Scronce, 48, more than a year ago. This week, a grand jury indicted Scronce on six counts of indecent liberties with a child.

Investigators said the cases against Scronce date back to the mid-1980s and continued until last year, which is when the first person came forward.

“We would have never known if he had not come forward. We are so thankful for that,” said Lt. Becky Weatherman with the Burke County Sheriff's Office. “As the investigation went on, we found more victims. Each time we would interview one, we'd find another.”

Channel 9 went to Scronce's home in southern Burke County and spoke with family members and neighbors including Polly Willix, who has children.

“He's been at my house alone. No problems, ever,” Willix said. “We have family events together. There's no way.”

Willix wasn't alone in her support of Scronce. A family friend who asked not to be identified said he’s known Scronce for most of his life and doesn't believe the allegations.

“I couldn't believe it. I still can't believe it,” he said. “He's a good man. What he's done is not true.”

But investigators said the allegations involve as many as six teenage boys. Detectives said Scronce would take them on trips and that's when the sex acts occurred.

Weatherman wasn’t surprised that some people who know Scronce doubted the charges.

“It's normal with most sex cases I've worked,” Weatherman said. “It's a shock to family. It's a shock to friends and everybody that knows them.”

Scronce is out of a jail on a $150,000 bond.

Detectives said they think there may be more cases involving Scronce and asked that people call 828-438-5500 with any related information.