AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — An Avery County man is accused of taking indecent liberties with a child over the last year, according to a news release from the Avery County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies said they launched an investigation after receiving a complaint about the victim's behavior and a follow-up forensic interview conducted by the Child Advocacy Center of the Blue Ridge. Investigators said they were able to obtain evidence that 74-year-old Gary Dean Clark had allegedly touched the child inappropriately on four separate occasions.
Clark was arrested on Oct. 31, 2023. He faces four counts of indecent liberties with a child. He was placed in jail under a $150,000 secured bond and now awaits trial.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspect in this case because of the nature of the charges involved.
