SALISBURY — A Rockwell man and woman have been charged after police say the former sexually abused a child relative and the other failed to report the abuse after learning of it.

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, who never reported it to the Department of Social Services or any law enforcement.

The abuse then 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 both the man and woman 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. Debora Bost Cutshaw, 68, was charged with failure to report a crime against a juvenile. Cutshaw was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center as well and given a $1,000 bond.

Both Cutshaw and Key have posted bond and been released from custody.