Detectives with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office arrested 64-year-old Stephen Montgomery Kerlew on June 5 following an investigation into allegations of sexual offenses involving a child. According to the sheriff’s office, Kerlew has been charged with three counts of indecent liberties with a child, two counts of statutory sex offense with a child less than 15 years old, and one count of sexual activity by a substitute parent or custodian.

Authorities said Kerlew was taken into custody and booked into the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center in Lincolnton, where he is being held without bond. The sheriff’s office said it remains committed to protecting children and thoroughly investigating crimes against minors. Due to the sensitive nature of the case and to protect the identity of the alleged victim, officials said no additional information will be released at this time.

Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact Detective Capps with the Criminal Investigations Division at (704) 732-9050. The investigation remains ongoing.