(Statesville, North Carolina) A 25-year-old local man, Luke Ernst, was arrested today for allegedly raping a seven-year-old girl. Ernst has been charged with rape, first-degree sexual offense and taking indecent liberties with a minor. According to Iredell Sheriff's Detective Sgt. Bill Hamby, the alleged victim is the daughter of Ernst's former girlfriend.
When the girl's mother moved them out of Ernst's house, the girl confided about what had allegedly taken place.Ernst was booked into custody at the Iredell County Jail with bond set at $250,000.
The mother called the Sheriff's Department.
Detectives took the victim to the Dove House Children's Advocacy Center, where she was medically examined and interviewed by a counselor.
Armed with warrants, Hamby and another detective in the special victims unit began looking for Ernst earlier this month. They went by his home several times, but were told he'd left the state. They found him today in Iredell County, Hamby said.
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