Kannapolis man faces sex charges

By Joanie Morris

jmorris@salisburypost.com

KANNAPOLIS — A man was charged today with two counts each of second-degree sexual offense and indecent liberties with a child under 12.

Tommy J. Wilbanks, 25, 404 Coach St., Kannapolis, is being held under $160,000 secured bond in the Cabarrus County Jail.

There are two victims, one male and one female, in the case, said Kannapolis Police Lt. Ken Jackson. Warrants obtained from the Clerk of Courts office in Cabarrus County show Wilbanks also has an address of 176 Harrelson Drive, Salisbury.

Kannapolis Police detectives received a report about incidents involving one victim on April 15, 2008, from a family member of the victim, Jackson said.

“During the course of the investigation, the other stuff came out about the second victim,” said Jackson. Jackson couldn’t release much information on the cases. “These things are so sensitive when you get these types of reports.”

The warrants indicate the offenses occured between Aug. 1, 2006, and Aug. 1, 2008. Jackson said both victims are known to Wilbanks.

This was not the first time Wilbanks has been charged with sex offenses with a child. Concord Police charged Wilbanks in January 2007 with one count of indecent liberties with a child.

Concord Police also charged him in February 2007 with statutory rape against the same victim in the previous case. He was released under $2,000 secured bond. Both of those cases involved a minor child and were reported Dec. 18, 2006. Both charges are still pending with the Cabarrus County Courts.

Wilbanks also had numerous other charges against him, including larceny, possession of a stolen vehicle and assault.

His first appearance in court on the most recent charges will be July 17.