LINCOLNTON MAN FACES ADDITIONAL SEX CHARGE

Paul Hicks is a registered sex offender on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry

By Jon Mayhew [CHERRYVILLE] – A Lincolnton resident who is on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry faces an additional charge in Gaston County for following another child.

The incidents happened at the Walmart in Cherryville according to Cherryville Police Lt. Mike Allred. Allred identified the suspect as Paul David Hicks, 519 Ross Road.

“A second child has come forward accusing Hicks of inappropriately touching himself while following her around the store,” said Allred. “This incident comes on the heels of the first incident, that happened February 3 around 5pm.”

Allred said the first incident involved the daughter of a Cherryville Police officer, where Hicks reportedly followed the mother and 8-year-old daughter around the store, touching himself.

“Hicks also followed the victim around the store for about 25 minutes,” said Allred.

Police made the arrest after viewing surveillance video from the store, where Hicks made a purchase. With help from the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, authorities were able to identify Hicks.

According to Allred, Hicks was also observed on video following other children at Walmart.

“He’s been previously banned from the store,” said Allred.
Hicks was charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a minor and one count of a sex offender being on a premises unlawfully.

Authorities believe Hicks has made contact with more children and are asking anyone that may have been approached by Hicks to call Lt. Allred at (704) 435-1717.

Hicks was convicted in 2001 on charges of indecent liberties with a minor, being released from state prison in January 2007.

“The suspect has been transferred from the Gaston Jail to Raleigh for safekeeping,” said Allred. Hicks bond was raised to $750,000 and was scheduled to appear before a grand jury Monday.