4:30 p.m. update:
The town of Newton Grove issued a statement, acknowledging that Police Chief Greg Warren has been arrested and is under investigation.
“Effective immediately, Chief Warren has been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the legal process,” the statement reads. “Town officials have met, are aware of the matter and have taken all necessary steps to ensure there is no lapse in law enforcement services. Police operations will continue without interruption, and public safety services remain fully operational.”
11:15 a.m. update:
Newton Grove Police Chief Greg Warren has been denied bond by Judge Robert Gilmore, who stated that there were concerns for the safety of the community and the victim.
The victim in this case is a relative of Warren’s, though the exact nature of their relation has not been made public and she has not been identified, since she is a minor.
Next court date is Jan. 15. The investigation is ongoing.
Newton Grove police chief arrested
Newton Grove Police Chief Greg Warren was arrested Wednesday night by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation on seven charges, including indecent liberties with a minor, peeping and possessing images from peeping.
More charges may be pending, according to Chad Flowers, public information officer for the SBI.
“The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office requested the SBI’s assistance regarding allegations they received, and the SBI initiated an investigation,” Flowers stated.
As a result of the investigation, Warren has been taken into custody on one felony count of indecent liberties with a minor, two felony counts of secret peeping and possession of images derived from secret peeping.
Warren is being held at the Sampson County Detention Center under no bond.
District Attorney Ernie Lee said his office was contacted Monday by the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, and together, he and Sheriff Jimmy Thornton decided to request that the SBI investigate the matter.
A special resource prosecutor has been assigned to the case, Lee shared. The prosecutor and the SBI determined the charges.