Kevin Dwayne Johnson of West Fifth Street now faces 75 counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and four counts of felony solicitation of a minor. He was jailed on $1 million bond and has a December 15 court date.
Roanoke Rapids Deputy Chief Adam Bondarek told reporters today since the initial investigation, seven female victims from 12 to 15 came forward and said they were allegedly victims of Johnson.
While the case remains under investigation, Bondarek said Johnson would reportedly use multiple cell phones and text messages to call the girls and provide them with alcohol, pills, money and marijuana.
He was supposedly helping them, Bondarek said, but then, “Attempted to call in the marker.”
Johnson would allegedly solicit them through sexually explicit text messages or sexual acts.
A search warrant executed today led officers to find items consistent with his alleged actions, Bondarek said.
The police department is also looking at Johnson’s past, including his possible involvement with youth athletics.
Police were informed of the matter, which has apparently been going on for six months, through a guardian of one the children, Bondarek said.
Asked if Johnson was allegedly soliciting the children to other people, Bondarek said he did not want to speculate on that. “The charges speak to him attempting to gratify himself.”
How Johnson met the children is unknown, although he may have known at least one of them, Bondarek said.
He says the children are upset. “They’re obviously upset and experiencing a range of emotions. They’re too young to comprehend what was going on.”
The police department will continue to make sure the children are taken care of. “We’re going to collect as much evidence as we can. We look forward to working with the district attorney’s office on this.”
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call Detective Frankie Griffin at 252-533-2810.
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