RFP Staff
♦ Last week at the conclusion of a 3 day trial in Rowan County Superior Court, Rickey Hardin Wagner, Jr., 35, was convicted by a jury of 5 counts of statutory rape/sex offense, 2 counts of felony incest, and a three counts of felony indecent liberties with a child.
Wagner was sentenced by Superior Court Judge W. David Lee to a minimum of 51 years to 77 years in prison. In his sentencing Wagner was ordered to register as a sex offender and wear an electronic monitor for the rest of his life.
In March of last year Rowan County Sheriff’s Office deputies began investigating the rape of 14 year-old girl by Wagner. The youngster told investigators she was forced to have sexual intercourse with Wagner approximately 2 years prior to the report and that Wagner was involved in a series of sex offenses against her. The youngster was threatened that if she reported what was occurring to her to anyone she would face “consequences”. The victim told deputies Wagner forced her to use methamphetamine during several sexual encounters even though the drug made her ill. The youngster reported she did not initially report the crimes because she was ashamed and scared.
Wagner’s previous criminal record:
An article on spotting and reporting child abuse and neglect:
http://rowanfreepress.com/2014/03/22/how-to-spot-child-abuse-and-neglect-updated/
