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Rowan County man facing child sex abuse charges for the second time

This is the second time Joseph Lineberry was arrested for child sex abuse crimes in the last two years, according to deputies.

SALISBURY, N.C. — A Rowan County man was arrested last week on multiple child sex abuse charges for the second time, deputies said. 

Joseph David Lineberry  of Salisbury was arrested Friday and charged with first-degree statutory sex offense, statutory sex offense of a child 13, 14, or 15 years old, and two counts of indecent liberties with a child, the Rowan County Sheriff's Office said.

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Deputies said the new charges come after another victim came forward reporting additional sexual abuse they endured when they were a minor child about ten years ago. The victim was known to Lineberry, but not related.

This comes after Lineberry was charged with similar offenses for sexual acts with a minor back in 2021, according to deputies.

Investigators searched Lineberry’s home and seized electronic equipment believed to have evidence of the incidents stored on them.

Lineberry was initially placed in the Rowan County Jail under no bond due to a newly enacted Pretrial Integrity Act, deputies said. He was later given a $250,000 secured bond and is currently awaiting trial.

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 there is a callout by law enforcement for other possible victims to come forward.

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