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5 accusers say Lenoir man committed child sex crimes from 1996-2008

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A man is behind bars, being held on a $1 million bond after police in Gaston County charged him with several felonies involving sex crimes against children.

The Gaston County Police Department said in a release that 49-year-old Christopher Johnson, of Lenoir, has been charged with one count of second-degree rape, two counts of first-degree sex offense with a child, one count of first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree statutory rape of a child, two counts of first-degree statutory sex offense with a child and five counts of indecent liberties with a child.

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Police began investigating after an alleged victim came forward. As a result of that investigation, police said a total of five victims were identified.

The offenses took place from 1996 through 2008. Police said all of the victims are now adults. It is unclear the relationship Johnson had with the victims, and police said they would not be releasing any other details.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Det. B.T. Dalton at 704-866-3320 or Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000.