Elizabeth City, N.C. – A South Carolina man is now behind bars and charged with various sex crimes against a child in Elizabeth City.
Officials say 30-year-old Thomas John Graddick of West Columbia, South Carolina is reported to have engaged in electronic communication via a telephone chat line and the internet with a 14-year-old girl who resides in Perquimans County.
Graddick drove to Elizabeth City, secured a room at the Econo-Lodge, picked up the teen girl, and brought her to his motel room. Officials say they proceeded to spend the night together, and engaged in sexual activity.
The teen returned home and was immediately questioned by family members about what had happened, according to John Young, spokesperson for Elizabeth City.
Investigators with the Elizabeth City Police Department located the suspect, questioned him, and subsequently charged him with Indecent Liberties with a Child, Statutory Rape, and Solicitation by Use of a Computer.
Graddick was placed in Albemarle District Jail under a $125,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on October 9, 2013.
Stay with NewsChannel 3 for updates.
