Henderson, NC – Clarence Adrian Royster was charged with two counts of Statutory Rape or Sex Offense where the Defendant is greater than or equal to 6 years older than the victim, Indecent Liberties with a Child, Incest with a Child 13, 14 or 15 years of age when the Defendant is greater than or equal to 6 years older than the victim, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile, and Giving Fortified Wine, Liquor or Mixed Beverage to someone under the age of 21 as a result of a 2013 incident.

On Tuesday, January 3, 2017, a Vance County jury was empaneled and the State began presenting evidence in the cases against Mr. Royster. On Wednesday, January 4, 2017, after testimony from several witnesses, Mr. Royster withdrew his not guilty plea and entered a plea of no contest. Mr. Royster was sentenced to an active term of 240 to 348 months in the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, Division of Adult Correction (DAC) by resident Superior Court Judge Henry W. Hight, Jr. After Mr. Royster is released from the DAC, he must register as a sex offender and will be subject to satellite based monitoring.

The District Attorney’s Office was represented by assistant district attorneys, Melissa D. Pelfrey and Onica F. Fuller.

This case was investigated by officers with the Henderson Police Department and Detective Alan Simmons under the direction of Chief Marcus Barrow.

*This press release was sent via email from the DA’s office to multiple agents of WIZS News.