Western North Carolina Man Facing 11 Felony Charges Including Statutory Rape and Incest
POLK COUNTY, N.C. — A Mill Spring man is facing 11 felony charges, including statutory rape and incest, after deputies responded to an alleged child abduction at the Polk County Recreation Complex.
Abduction Call Leads to Arrest
Authorities said the case began just before 10 p.m. on August 23, when Polk County Emergency Communications received a 911 call about a kidnapping at the Polk County Recreation Complex on Wolverine Trail.
Deputies arrived within minutes and located both the suspect and the victim. The suspect, 40-year-old Jacob Earl Norwood, was immediately taken into custody.
Charges Escalate After Investigation
Norwood was initially charged with indecent liberties with a child, with bond set at $20,000. Following further investigation, deputies charged him with statutory rape of a child under 15, and his bond increased by $1 million.
Detectives later identified another victim, leading to nine additional felony charges. In total, Norwood now faces:
- Three counts of statutory rape of a child under 15
- Four counts of sex act by a substitute parent or custodian
- Three counts of incest
- One count of indecent liberties with a child under 14
Norwood’s bond now totals $3.52 million.
Sheriff Praises Swift Response
Polk County Sheriff Tim Wright commended his deputies’ quick action:
“I commend the swift actions and diligent efforts of both our patrol and investigative teams in responding to this deeply troubling case.”
Norwood is currently being held at the Henderson County Detention Center. He is scheduled for a probable cause hearing in Polk County District Court on Wednesday.
Ongoing Investigation
Detectives are continuing to investigate and have urged the public to come forward with any additional information. Authorities are also working to determine whether more victims may be involved.
This case underscores the dangers children face and the importance of community vigilance.
Do you believe North Carolina should expand background checks and monitoring programs for custodians and guardians to help prevent crimes like this? Share your views with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
