By Shelley Smith
ssmith@salisburypost.com
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Salisbury man sought on charges he molested children.
Harvey Lee Richardson, 60, of 2720 Leonard Road, is charged with four counts of taking indecent liberties with children. He is in the Rowan County jail under $140,000 secured bond.
Authorities said Jan. 7 they were hunting Richardson. The Sheriff’s Office got a tip Monday afternoon that he may be driving on Stokes Ferry Road.
Investigators found Richardson driving a camper in the 13800 block of Stokes Ferry Road. He was taken into custody without incident, authorities reported.
The charges, authorities say, come resulted from reports made by two families.
The investigation into Richardson began in early January as authorities were looking into allegations of sexual assault involving Salvatore Cerbone Jr., who was arrested last week. The 11-year-old victim who made the allegation against Cerbone told authorities she had also been molested by Richardson.
The girl told authorities that Richardson abused her when she was 5 years old and staying with an acquaintance of his, the Sheriff’s Office reported.
On Jan. 3, deputies talked to the parents of a second girl who knew Richardson. The 4-year-old girl’s father told them his daughter had been sexually assaulted within the past six months, the report said.
Deputies obtained warrants for Richardson’s arrest and began looking for him.
Richardson may face more charges. The Sheriff’s Office said authorities in Florida, where Richardson once lived, are investigating another incident that may have involved him.
Rowan investigators are working with authorities in Florida.
Contact reporter Shelley Smith at 704-797-4246.