A 30-year-old Clinton man, who was charged with four counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor in August, is scheduled to appear in court today, after two continuances of his case.

Paul Mitchell Autry, 30, of 1086 Barker Road, Clinton, was arrested for taking “indecent liberties with a child” on Aug. 11.

According to sheriff’s officials, those four charges came to light after a juvenile female confided in a friend that she had been sexually assaulted by Autry in the past when she spent the night with a friend.

Investigators identified three additional juveniles who stated that they, too, had been fondled by Autry on several occasions and in different locations. Based on interviews conducted, investigators did not believe that full sexual intercourse occurred between the suspect and the victims. Through consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, it was recommended that Autry be charged with indecent liberties with a minor. An investigation was to continue to determine if additional charges will be warranted.

Since the arrest, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office has been coordinating investigations with law enforcement agencies from Duplin and Pender counties, where it is believed that additional sexually-oriented acts on minors occurred.

While in custody at the Sampson County Detention Center on a $375,000 secured bond, Autry was served on Aug. 26 with an additional charge for taking “indecent liberties with a child” from investigators at the Surf City Police Department stemming from their investigation of Autry.

Autry is scheduled to be in Pender County Court Dec. 2 to face that charge.

Prior to his Aug. 11 arrest, Autry was serving a probation sentence for two felony larcenies that occurred in 2005. Officials with the N.C. Department of Community Corrections assisted with the investigation and are in the process of initiating legal proceedings against Autry as well.

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@myclintonnc.com.