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7:55 p.m. • 5-24-13

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Posted: February 15

Hope Mills man accused of raping 5-year-old girl

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Hope Mills, N.C. — A 77-year-old Hope Mills man was arrested Friday and charged with raping a 5-year-old girl, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office.

Donald Burton Yerry, of 822 Orchard St., is charged with first-degree statutory rape, three counts of first-degree statutory sex offense, crimes against nature and five counts of taking indecent liberties with a child.

The alleged crimes began between January and March 2010 and occurred on more than one occasion inside Yerry's home, sheriff's officials said.

He was being held in the Cumberland County Detention Center under a $1 million bond and was scheduled to make a first court appearance at 2:30 p.m., Feb. 18, in the detention center courtroom.

Web Editor: Kelly Hinchcliffe

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12 Comments

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Latest Comments

As far as dementia, why would anyone leave a 5 year old in the care of someone with dementia? I can see having the grandkids visit, but with supervision. And not just for abuse like this, but for simple carelessness or danger through inattention. Can't say that he is all there, but if he had any signs of dementia, some responsible adult should have been around to assure the safety of the child.

miseem
February 15, 2013 7:18 p.m.

alilred--bet he's been doing it his whole life; lock him up, throw away key.

peace2u
February 15, 2013 6:30 p.m.

Just a thought...are we sure this was the first time he did this or simply the first time he got caught. So many victims remain silent. If he is found guilty, he should be jailed for the reminder of his sorry life.

alilred
February 15, 2013 6:19 p.m.

guns are not the problem ... this is the problem.

bombayrunner
February 15, 2013 6:18 p.m.

We are seeing this happening to children, in this WRAL viewing area more than once a week! This must be the tip of an iceberg. The Titanic steams on...