A longtime tennis professional at a private Lake Norman sports club has been arrested and is now facing a slate of child-sex charges in Lincoln County. Court records identify the man as 64-year-old Stephen Montgomery Kerlew, who appeared in Lincoln County court on Monday. The club says he has been removed from his position and is barred from the property while the investigation continues.
Arrest and charges
According to The Charlotte Observer, court records show Kerlew was charged on June 5 with three counts of indecent liberties with a child, two counts of statutory sexual offense with a child 15 or younger, and other counts. The paper reports that during his initial hearing, he waived his right to assigned counsel. A judge denied bond and ordered him to provide fingerprints and a DNA sample.
Booking and custody
The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office inmate search lists Kerlew as currently in custody, confirming he has been booked into the county jail. The sheriff's online roster serves as the public record the county maintains for recent arrests and bookings.
Westport Club response
As reported by The Charlotte Observer, Westport Swim & Tennis Club notified members in an email that, “Upon consulting with legal counsel, we promptly removed him from his position and prohibited him from entering the premises,” adding that “He will not return in any capacity.” The club's website lists the facility on the west side of Lake Norman and highlights junior tennis programming where Kerlew had worked; Westport's site lists its location and membership information.
Charges, penalties and next steps
Under state law, taking indecent liberties with a child is classified as a felony. Statutes covering indecent liberties and statutory sexual offenses are codified in Chapter 14 of the North Carolina General Statutes. Per the North Carolina General Assembly, indecent-liberties and statutory-sex charges carry prison terms and other penalties if a defendant is convicted. Local prosecutors will decide whether to pursue formal indictments and will set additional court dates as the case proceeds in Lincoln County.
How to share tips
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's website and inmate search list contact details and ways to submit tips. Authorities request that anyone with relevant information reach out so investigators can follow up.
