Columbus County deputies arrest man on kidnapping and indecent liberties charges involving a minor in Delco
Arrest follows report made to social services and a multi-county investigation
A Columbus County man has been arrested and charged with felony kidnapping and multiple counts related to sexual offenses involving a minor, following an investigation that began with a report to county social services officials.
James Kirk Harrelson, 39, was taken into custody on February 19, 2024, after deputies arrested him in neighboring Brunswick County. Investigators said the case originated when a report was made to the local Department of Social Services alleging that a minor had been sexually assaulted in Delco, an unincorporated community in Columbus County.
Authorities said the sheriff’s office opened an investigation after the report and later sought criminal warrants. Warrants were obtained on February 15, 2024. Four days later, Harrelson was located and arrested in Brunswick County and then transported to the Columbus County jail.
Charges and bond
Harrelson is charged with:
- Felony first-degree kidnapping
- Two counts of felony indecent liberties with a child
He was booked into the Columbus County jail under a $150,000 secured bond.
What is known about the investigation so far
Publicly released details in the case remain limited. Investigators have not disclosed the age of the alleged victim, the nature of the alleged conduct beyond the filed charges, or any timeline for when the alleged offenses occurred. Authorities also have not released information indicating whether the accused and the alleged victim were previously acquainted, or whether additional individuals may be under investigation.
The available case information indicates that the investigation involved coordination across county lines, at least to the extent necessary to locate and arrest the suspect in Brunswick County following the issuance of warrants in Columbus County.
Legal context: presumption of innocence and next steps
In North Carolina, felony first-degree kidnapping generally alleges the unlawful confinement, restraint, or removal of a person for certain purposes and under circumstances specified in state law. Indecent liberties with a child is a felony offense that involves allegations of sexual conduct or actions taken for sexual gratification involving a minor.
Harrelson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The charges will proceed through the court system, where a judge will address issues such as bond conditions and scheduling, and prosecutors will determine what evidence will be presented in support of the allegations. Defense counsel may challenge the allegations, the sufficiency of evidence, and the legal basis for the charges.
Editors’ note: This report describes allegations involving a minor. Identifying details about the alleged victim are being withheld.