ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Deputies are asking for the public's help searching for a man accused of statutory rape of a child.
Deputies with the Rowan County Sheriff's Office responded to a home outside of Salisbury on May 18 to check the welfare of a young girl. While deputies got there, they found a 12-year-old and an 18-year-old at the home. Officers found evidence suggesting the two had been "sexually involved," leading to further investigation.
The 18-year-old, identified as Steward Allen Callahan-Fletcher, was arrested on the charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor for providing the child with contraband. Investigators conducted a forensic interview of the child and gathered more evidence, and believe "sexual activities" between Callahan-Fletcher and the child took place that day as well as the day before officers responded to the home.
Callahan-Fletcher was released from jail after his original arrest, but additional arrest warrants were issued on June 25 on charges of two counts of first-degree statutory rape and one count of indecent liberties with a child.
Now, investigators are searching for Callahan-Fletcher.
Anyone who knows where he may be is asked to call Detective Ryan Dangerfield at 704-216-8662, Sgt. Janet Wietbrock at 704-216-8704, or Rowan County Crime Stoppers at 866-639-5245.
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 has chosen to use this mugshot because officials are searching for Callahan-Fletcher.