Raleigh used car salesman faces additional sex charges

The owner of a Raleigh used car dealership is facing charges after several people came forward saying the man touched them inappropriately, police said.

On Feb. 27, 63-year-old Thomas Jefferson Lynn surrendered to authorities on two charges of misdemeanor sexual battery after two customers, a 22-year-old man and a 32-year-old woman reported Lynn had touched them while they shopped at Freedom Auto Sales, formerly known as Wolfpack Auto Sales, at 3020 Hillsborough Street.

Lynn posted bond, but police said the media coverage of his arrest prompted five additional victims to come forward.

Lynn once again surrendered to police on Mar. 13 for similar charges, including sexual battery, assault on a female and solicitation for prostitution.

"There were approaches that went beyond inappropriate touching and became illegal acts," said Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue. "The victims were touched inappropriately, illegally, and there were inappropriate offers or suggestions made."

In total, Lynn faces 11 charges and is currently out on bond.

Investigators said Lynn may have other victims, and they urged anyone who may have had a similar experience with Lynn to call police.