A Burke County murder investigation reveals an alleged sex offense committed by a witness to the homicide.

A press release states 27-year-old Sherry Renee Lyden of 9385 Costner Road Hickory has been charged with statutory sex offense with a child by an adult.

The Criminal Investigation Division executed a search warrant on the cell phone belonging to David Andrew Barnes- the suspect charged in the murder of Roger Dewayne Hoglan that took place on August 15^th on the Costner Road.

During the forensic review of Barnes’ phone, images were reportedly found that broadened the investigation.

Lyden was interviewed at the Sheriff’s Office by investigators and later charged.

Her secured bond is set at 250-thousand-dollars.

The child sex offense investigation is continuing for both Lyden and Barnes.

Burke County Department of Social Services assisted in the case.

Federal agents and NC law enforcement agencies have launched an awareness campaign to remind students that online school threats are not a joke – and are typically felonies.

The FBI, state, and local authorities have kicked off the hashtag-Think Before You Post campaign last week.

An FBI news release states that threats, when proven, can result in charges carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

Agents say in the aftermath of recent school shootings in Florida and elsewhere, law enforcement around the country has dealt with more school threats, many of them hoaxes.

Law enforcement has to take every threat seriously, thereby draining resources for actual emergencies.

Lead FBI agent John Strong says a strong message needs to be sent with the new school year that a threat against a school is not a joke- and can result in a felony conviction.

A Lincoln County woman has been charged in connection with the stabbing of her boyfriend Friday morning.

Deputies, responding to a reported domestic dispute and stabbing on Southside Road,  located 32-year-old John Matthew Hoyle who had ran to a neighboring yard.

He had sustained stab wounds to his back and hip, and was transported to a hospital in Gaston County.

Reports say Hoyle had climbed into a window of the residence where he and his girlfriend lived, because she would not let him in.

33-year-old Aftan Marie Moore reportedly grabbed a knife from Hoyle’s belt and stabbed him with it.

He had barricaded himself inside a bedroom, and reports say Moore attempted to stab him again as he ran from the house.

Moore was taken into custody and charged with one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury.

She was placed under a no bond hold.