Law enforcement officials in Rowan County are actively searching for Steward Allen Callahan-Fletcher, an 18-year-old man accused of statutory rape and indecent liberties with a child, WBTV reports. The investigation began after deputies were called for a welfare check on May 18 at a residence in Paradise Point, near Salisbury, where they discovered evidence of a sexual involvement between Callahan-Fletcher and a 12-year-old juvenile.

The initial arrest of Callahan-Fletcher was made on accusations of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, with reference to him allegedly providing the juvenile with contraband, according to WXII 12. Post his release from jail, further examination of the circumstances led to additional charges. On June 25th, Callahan-Fletcher found himself facing augmented allegations, including two counts of first-degree statutory rape and one count of indecent liberties with a child.

A detailed forensic interview of the child and the collection of more evidence solidified investigators' belief that sexual activities occurred between the 12-year-old and Callahan-Fletcher on the day of, and preceding the initial welfare check. WCNC disclosed that these findings compelled the issuance of the updated arrest warrants.