Following an investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation here in North Carolina, the local district attorney’s office of the 11th Prosecutorial District informs WIZS News that Tony R. Pendergrass, 58, of Franklinton has entered a plea of guilty to one count of sexual battery.
The plea to the one count, which is a Class A1 misdemeanor, took place on April 28, 2021 in Granville County.
As a result, Pendergrass faced a maximum sentence of 60 days.
Assistant District Attorney Brent Groce said by email to WIZS, “Following Mr. Pendergrass’ plea of guilty (as charged), the Court heard from the victim’s mother, who read an impassioned statement to the Court concerning the impact that Mr. Pendergrass’ criminal behavior has had on her (family).”
After hearing from the victim’s mother, the court accepted the plea arrangement in the following manner. The ADA wrote to WIZS, “the defendant received a sentence of 60 days, which was suspended for an unsupervised term of 24 months on the following conditions: (1) he must serve a 5 days sentence in jail beginning immediately; (2) pay court costs; (3) have no contact with the victim or his family for a term of five years; and (4) register as a sex offender.”
The ADA indicates a “methodical, thorough, and thoughtful investigation” occurred, which was helped by a “brave victim of a serious offense” who benefited from having an “incredible support system.”
Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow said Pendergrass was a former captain, having resigned on July 13, 2020.
State of North Carolina District Court documents list the date range of offenses as 05/15/2020 – 05/17/2020. Pendergrass’ signature accepting the misdemeanor statement of charges as defendant is visible on the document with the date 4/28/2021 hand written beside his name.
Court costs were $483.00, including a $383.00 cost and $100.00 fine.
When the present, active five days in jail finishes, Pendergrass has 72 hours from discharge to report to a probation officer in the State of North Carolina.
The misdemeanor statement of charges and judgment are signed by the presiding judge.