FIRST ON 3: Bail bondsman charged with sex act

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Anthony Newkirk made his first appearance in a courtroom today after being charged by Wilmington Police with a felony sex act.

Newkirk, 46 of Currie, NC, has been charged with felony sexual activity by a  custodian by WPD Detectives for the alleged assault on a woman who was utilizing the services of All American Bail Bonding, where Newkirk was employed.

According to the DA’s office, the statute regarding the situation reads: “If a person having custody of a victim of any age or a person who is an agent or employee of any person, or institution, whether such institution is private, charitable, or governmental, having custody of a victim of any age engages in vaginal intercourse or a sexual act with such victim, the defendant is guilty of a Class E felony.”

Police said Newkirk turned himself in at the Pender County Sheriff’s Office yesterday evening. He was issued a $20,000 secured bond.

Newkirk is an independent agent of All American Bail Bonding. The company said in a statement, “Anthony Newkirk is not an employee of All American Bail Bonding but an independent assurity agent and has been since 2008 with no disciplinary issues. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation.”