Former Sampson deputy faces rape, molestation charges

Richard Matthew West, 30, was charged Tuesday with statutory rape, second-degree rape, indecent liberties with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was released after posting a $250,000 bond.

Sampson County investigators said a sexual assault was reported on April 23, 2011, and they turned the case over to the State Bureau of Investigation upon learning that West was the suspect.

West, who had worked as a deputy since September 2009, was immediately placed on administrative leave, authorities said. He was fired two days later, based on information from a preliminary investigation of the alleged assault.

Before the assault allegation, West had no disciplinary problems with the sheriff's office, authorities said.