ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Editor's note: this article discusses child abuse, which includes a description of injuries the victim is alleged to have suffered. Sexual abuse is also discussed, though no acts are described in detail. Reader discretion is advised.
The Rowan County Sheriff's Office says a months-long child abuse investigation has led to a man's arrest this week.
Deputies said they received a report about possible abuse that happened in Rowan County from the Stanly County Department of Social Services on Aug. 31, 2023. The report included a photo showing a large handprint bruise on a child's hip and rear end. Deputies said an initial interview and later forensic follow-up resulted in disclosures that the bruise was caused by 38-year-old Christopher Coogan.
After the initial investigation into Coogan was started, the sheriff's office said investigators opened another abuse investigation regarding a different child Coogan is accused of abusing. Disclosures made during the investigation alleged that Coogan hit this child in the head with a highchair tray. This reportedly resulted in a 2-inch cut on the back of the child's head. An additional disclosure during this investigation also resulted in an allegation of a sexual act involving the second child.
Coogan was arrested on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. He is charged with two counts of felony child abuse and a count of felony indecency with a child. He remains in jail with secured bonds totaling $35,000.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
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.