Union County detectives search for man accused of rape

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Union County sheriff’s detectives are looking for a man they say raped a teenager in Marshville.

Police are looking for James Long Jr., 37, of Monroe, who they said imposed his will on a 14-year-old girl.

Long is also known by the alias "Goob."

Charges against Long include one count of statutory rape and two counts of statutory sex offense.

Police said he and the victim had a family member in common but are not related.

Police said the incident happened more than a year ago, in August 2011. Although he was charged, detectives said Long disappeared.

Police said he gave indications he would turn himself in and hasn’t honored that.

Police have leads that Long is still in Union County but also have tied him to parts of South Carolina.

Long's family hasn't been able to help police find him, and after a year of searching, they contacted Channel 9 hoping viewers could help

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for tips leading to his capture.

WSOC