A Hickory man is charged with indecent liberties with a minor.

34-year-old John Kevin Pace of 412 Dogwood Drive was issued a 25-thousand-dollar secured bond and confined at the Burke Catawba Detention facility.

A news release from the Burke County Sheriff’s Office states the arrest follows an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division into the alleged crime.

According to the release, Pace admitted to inappropriate contact with a minor during an interview by authorities.

His first court appearance is today.

A couple who went missing from Lincoln County earlier this week has been located.

Reports say Lenoir Police found 81-year-old Charles William Whitener and his wife 80-year-old Maxine Whitener at the Comfort Inn in Lenoir around 7:30 a.m. Thursday.

Authorities report both are in good condition, and a family member went to Lenoir to pick them up.

A Silver Alert had been issued Monday after they were reported missing from the son’s residence on Beth Haven Church Road in Denver.