Columbus County deputies arrest 23-year-old man on child sex offense charges

HALLSBORO, NC (WWAY) — A 23-year-old man has been arrested in Columbus County following an investigation involving allegations of sexual offenses against a juvenile victim, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.

According to a news release, Sterling Robertson was taken into custody Feb. 9 by the agency’s Criminal Investigations Division Special Victims Unit.

Robertson is charged with felony statutory rape of a person under the age of 15 and felony statutory sexual offense with a person under the age of 15.

The investigation began Feb. 6 when detectives responded to Columbus Regional Healthcare System in Whiteville after receiving a report involving a minor, the sheriff’s office said. Investigators conducted interviews and gathered evidence, which led to warrants being issued for Robertson’s arrest.

Authorities said additional disclosures were made during the investigation regarding further incidents of sexual contact. The case remains ongoing, and additional charges are anticipated.

Robertson was transported to the Columbus County Detention Center, where he is being held without bond.