FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Lincolnton man has been charged with sexually assaulting a minor in southwest Iredell County following an investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Trevor John Loper, 19, in a news release on Tuesday.

The ICSO began investigating on September 7, after receiving a report of a sexual assault involving a minor that occurred on July 24, Campbell said.

The case was assigned to Detective Sergeant Katie Harwell of the ICSO Special Victims Unit.

During an interview at the Dove House Children’s Advocacy Center, the victim identified Loper as the suspect, according to the news release.

Based on evidence and statements gathered in the investigation, Sergeant Harwell obtained a warrant charging Loper with felony statutory rape of a child Less than 15 years old by an adult more than four years but less than six years older than the victim.

Loper was arrested on Wednesday, December 16. He appeared before Magistrate Imes, who issued a $10,000 secured bond on this charge.