ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Editor's note: This story discusses alleged criminal sexual activity committed against a minor. Reader discretion is advised.
An Ohio man who owns a Chick-fil-A franchise is accused of traveling to a North Carolina teen's home for sex.
The Rowan County Sheriff's Office said they were called to a reported break-in at a home near Correll Park on Tuesday. When deputies arrived, a resident said a man was inside the home with their teenage child.
Deputies said they found 49-year-old Stacy Lee Austin, of Belmont, Ohio, inside the house. Detectives said they found Austin had driven from Ohio to the teen's house after communicating with the child on social media platforms. Austin reportedly arranged to pick the teen up. He allegedly performed sexual activities with the child while inside the house.
Austin reportedly admitted to the sexual acts and said he was worried about losing his job as a Chick-fil-A franchise owner, according to authorities.
Austin is now charged with committing a statutory sex offense with a child. Austin has been placed in the Rowan County Detention Center under no bond.
In response to Austin's arrest, Chick-fil-A provided this statement to WCNC Charlotte:
"We have zero tolerance for the type of serious conduct alleged. Stacy Austin currently is an independent franchise owner, but as the investigation and legal process continues, he will not be present in the restaurant."
WCNC Charlotte learned through a search of public records that Austin used to live in the Charlotte area before taking ownership of the restaurant in Ohio. He's also listed as the authorized representative of Maximize Ministries, Inc., which is based in Statesville.
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.