COVID-19 UPDATE

Burke County Public Health was notified Wednesday afternoon of the 31st COVID-19 related death in the county. The individual was in their 70’s, was hospitalized, but died from COVID-19 complications. Burke County also reported 17 new positive cases of COVID-19, with a new total of 1-thousand-892 virus cases. 286 cases are active, while 11 people are hospitalized and 1-thousand-565 individuals have recovered.

McDowell County reported 6 new positives; bringing the total to 705 persons testing positive. McDowell also reported 1 additional virus-associated death.

184 persons in McDowell are in quarantine, and 499 individuals are out of quarantine.

23 positive COVID-19 cases were reported to the Caldwell County Health Department with a new total of 1-thousand-333 virus cases. 587 cases are active, with 16 people hospitalized and 728 individuals have recovered.

In Catawba County, 27 new cases were reported on Wednesday for a new total of 2-thousand-394. 19 individuals are hospitalized and 1-thousand-903 people have recovered.

Lenoir Arrest

A Lenoir man has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault that occurred Sunday evening inside the city limits of Lenoir. 

22-year-old Zachary Demill Jones of 171 Hickman Avenue was taken into custody just before 10 Tuesday night at the Lenoir police department.

Jones is charged with 2^nd Degree forcible rape.

Last Sunday, officers responded to the Joyceton area to investigate the reported sexual assault of an elderly female.

A previous posting on the Caldwell Sheriff’s Office Facebook page stated the subject knocked on the victim’s door around 9:30 pm, and the victim reportedly went outside the residence.

A news release states the incident remains under investigation, and that Jones may face additional charges related to the case.

The Hudson Police Department also assisted in the investigation.

Child Abuse

A McDowell County couple has been charged with child abuse. 

A news release from the McDowell Sheriff’s Office says 39-year-old Chastity Tennille Bright and 36-year-old Charles Baxter Bright both of Mimosa Drive in Marion were last month accused of abusing their step-children.

No further details were released.