Following a Monday notice from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of an investigation into the sexual abuse of a child, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office helped identify a China Grove woman as a suspect.
According to a release from the RCSO, the investigation led to the identification of Veronica Rose Yerry, 33, who was charged with felony child abuse, first degree forcible sex offense with a child, first degree sexual exploitation of a child, second degree sexual exploitation of a child and crimes against nature.
“During a separate investigation in which the FBI was assisting the sheriff’s office, agents discovered communications from (Yerry) that included videos depicting the sexual abuse of an infant,” the release said.
Detectives initiated an investigation into the material and subsequently confirmed the identities of both the suspect and the child victim. A search warrant was obtained for Yerry’s residence, where investigators seized physical and digital evidence related to the case.
Yerry was later located by detectives near her residence and taken into custody during a traffic stop. The child victim was found inside the vehicle and was released to the Rowan County Department of Social Services, which assumed emergency custody to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.
Yerry was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center without bond, but the investigation remains active and ongoing.
According to the release, investigators also reported locating marijuana in the child’s bedroom during the search of the residence.
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact Det. Rayshawn Williams at 704-216-8682.
