Caldwell County man indicted by grand jury for sex crimes against child

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — A grand jury in Caldwell County indicted George Long for statutory sex offense and indecent liberties with a child, according to paperwork Channel 9 reporter Dave Faherty got his hands on.

Long offered to babysit young children from his church and near where he lived south of Lenoir, according to deputies.

Neighbors said they often saw the 46-year-old in his yard with young boys, transporting them in a van.

"I did see little boys over there playing in the yard," the neighbor said. "They would be running around and playing. It's a very sad situation."

Deputies said they have spent months on the investigation before taking it to the grand jury. They said they are currently working four separate cases involving boys as young as five years old.

Investigators said the charges stem from incidents inside the home from 2018. They are also looking into allegations made involving a second child this year and an older case dating back to 2002.

"What we're finding out is that it appears he's befriending these families who were in need of child care or in need of assistance taking care of their children," Roger Crosby from the Caldwell Sheriff's Office said. "He would befriend the families and offer child care services."

They believe there may be more victims and are encouraging families to come forward.

Deputies said Long would offer to watch the children while the parents were at work. He is locked up under a $150,000 bond.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

Cox Media Group