RFP Staff
♦ Joseph Nathaniel Cranford, 21, of the 100 block of Lippard Road in Rowan County was arrested by a Rowan County Sheriff’s Office for the rape (first degree) of a 7 year old girl at his home.
Cranford was charged with 2 counts of rape (first degree), 5 counts of sexual offense (first degree), 2 counts of disseminating obscenity, record photo etc. minor engaged in sex (2nd degree). Under a $1,000,000 secured bond, Cranford was booked into the Rowan County Detention Center Thursday morning.
According to sources in the Rowan County Sheriff’s office, the alleged victim, now 10 years old, informed a teacher at her elementary school that Cranford molested her. Cranford was said to have known the child and her family. The arrest warrants recorded several incidents of inappropriate sexual activity including rape and other sexual acts between Cranford and the child including Cranford showing pornography to the youngster. All of the alleged sexual incidents occurred at Cranford’s house on Lippard Road.
**This article will be updated with more information and photographs as they arrive.**
