AULANDER – A Town of Aulander employee has been fired after being arrested Wednesday in connection with sex crimes against an 8-year-old girl.

William Jackson Cullipher, 35, who worked in the maintenance department, was charged with indecent liberties with a minor and crimes against nature, both felonies.

Cullipher, who resides at 413 West Main Street, was arrested and placed in the Bertie Martin Regional Jail under a cash bond of $30,000.

According to Aulander Police Chief Mike Patterson, the case has been under investigation for about a month.

Patterson says the child was only seven at the time the alleged abuse took place.

Cullipher’s first court appearance is slated for today (Thursday) in Windsor.

Patterson verified that Cullipher had officially been terminated from employment of the town following his arrest.