Three teenagers are accused of coercing a 12-year-old girl to have sex with them.
Cleveland County Sheriff’s detectives believe the trio of 17-year-old boys communicated with the girl through text and instant messages and “manipulated” her into having sex with them.
Two out of the three have been arrested.
Kamarde Huskey, 18, and Destin Miller, 17, have both been charged, said Major Joel Shores with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators became aware of the situation after the girl’s sister found “inappropriate” text messages on her phone and showed their mother.
Through the investigation, it was determined that Huskey had been sneaking into the home through a window to have sex with girl, Shores said. Detectives allegedly found his jacket in the girl’s room.
Along with this, she allegedly was invited to the movies by one of the other 17 year old’s and performed a sex act with him, Shores said.
The incidents allegedly happened between Aug. 1-31, 2019, according to Cleveland County Court records.
Huskey, of Shelby, was arrested Wednesday at Burns High School on charges of indecent liberties with a child and statutory rape. He is accused of molesting the girl when he was 17, according to Cleveland County Court records.
In his first appearance in court on Thursday, the teen spoke softly to Cleveland County District Court Judge Jeanette Reeves. Her first question was how old he was.
His family and a man identified as Huskey’s mentor were present. The mentor spoke to Reeves asking for a lower bond. Cleveland County Assistant District Attorney Will Wiseman objected to it, citing that it was a victim’s rights case.
“This is a serious matter,” he said.
The girl is not a relative and goes to a different school, according to information given during first appearance.
Huskey’s mentor described Huskey as a star football player.
“I don’t see how that matters here,” Wiseman said.
Huskey played for Shelby High School this past semester. He just transferred to Burns on Wednesday, according to Huskey.
Reeves did not lower the $100,000 bond set for Huskey but did set a bond hearing for Jan. 23.
Miller also was charged on Wednesday. He is charged with first degree statutory sex offense and indecent liberties with a child.
He too was assigned a $100,000 bond.
This incident is still under investigation. A third arrest is pending, Shores said.
Joyce Orlando can be reached at 704-669-3341 or find her on Twitter @Star_J_Orlando.