(A second person was originally charged with failure to report the crime. Those charges have been expunged and this story has been updated to reflect that change.)

SALISBURY — A Rockwell man has been charged after police say the former sexually abused a child relative.

Deputies received a report of a prior sexual assault against a child on Oct. 6, 2023, and began an investigation into it, a spokesperson for the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said. During the investigation, deputies learned that a man had begun sexually abusing a relative when they were just 12 years old. At that point, the abuse was reported to the child’s family. 

The abuse allegedly continued, with the child suffering more abuse during the summer of 2023. The child then reported the abuse to school officials later that year, who reported it to the sheriff’s office.

The investigation continued through Thursday, when initially two people were arrested. Josiah David Key, 26, was charged with taking indecent liberties with a child and sexual battery. Key was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center and given a $30,000 bond. Another person was initally charged as well but those charges were dismissed and expunged.

Key has posted bond and been released from custody.