Stokes NAACP head faces sex, firearms charges
Stokes County sheriff's deputies arrested the president of the local NAACP chapter on child sex and firearms charges Monday.
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CBS affiliate WFMY reports that Larry Lash, 54, of Walnut Cove, was charged with six counts of statutory rape and two counts of sex offense and first-degree sex offense, among other sex charges.
Sheriff Mike Joyce told WFMY that there were three victims, including two under 16-years-old and that the alleged sex acts took place at Lash's home over a period of time.
Investigators found five guns and ammunition at Lash's house when they arrested him, leading to a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon. According to state Department of Correction records, Lash was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 1974 and assault by pointing a gun and discharging a firearm into property in 1978.
William Barber, president of the state NAACP, said he has asked the national organization to immediately suspend Lash's membership and remove him from any offices.
"It is alleged that children were among Mr. Lash's victims. The N.C. NAACP's main concern is our children – all children," Barber said in a statement.
Barber said Lash, as any other accused person, is considered innocent until proven guilty, but pointed out that there was enough evidence to justify the charges and bond.
Lash was being held under a $1.5 million bond.
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