UNION CO., N.C.,None — The sister of a man accused of having sex with a 13-year-old girl said she's proud of the girl for having the courage to speak out about the abuse.
Tina Byrum talked to Eyewitness News about her brother, Phillip's, arrest. He's a convicted felon now facing multiple counts of statutory rape and indecent liberties with a child.
Deputies started investigating the case after the girl came forward with the accusations in mid-April. The sheriff said they spent the past few weeks working to build evidence in the case, and Friday morning, they made the arrest.
"I hope she gets the counseling she needs for everything that has happened, because I know her being as young as she is, it's going to affect her for the rest of her life," said Tina.
Phillip Byrum was on probation at the time of the arrest. His rap sheet dates to 1995 for crimes including assault and drug possession.
"He's always been arrested, always been in trouble, always in trouble in school from the time he could walk and talk. He's had problems," said Tina.
Phillip is in jail on $500,000 bond, and his sister told Eyewitness News she hopes he stays there.
"To me, he doesn't deserve to walk the streets. He should be behind bars for the rest of life," she said.
Phillip is due in court Tuesday.
WSOC
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