NC church youth volunteer charged with multiple sex crimes after 2 victims come forward 10 years later

A man who volunteered his time to work with youths at a Wilmington church was arrested on Tuesday at the Wilmington International Airport and charged with a sex crime involving a minor.

Tuesday's arrest comes after Alan Croom, 35, from Wilmington, posted a $250,000 bond after already being charged in April for indecent liberties with a minor, according to the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office.

After Croom posted bail, a second victim came forward, Lt. Jerry Brewer told WECT News.

“These crimes took place over ten years ago when Croom was a volunteer youth worker at Wrightsboro Baptist Church,” a news release from the sheriff’s office states. “In the past month Sheriff’s Detectives discovered a second victim and swore out warrants for Croom’s arrest. Detectives learned that Croom was in California and traveling back to Wilmington yesterday."

According to online court records, Croom was charged with indecent liberties with a child and four counts of statutory rape/sex offense in the April arrest.

Croom is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 15 for those charges.

The church writes in a statement that they cannot provide more information due to the ongoing investigation and criminal charges, but that Croom is not allowed on church property or at church events.

"This news is certainly distressing," the statement said. "We continue to fully cooperate with local authorities as they conduct criminal investigations. Our hearts continue to remain very heavy with this news, especially for those who may have been personally impacted."