WINDSOR – A man is behind bars here following his arrest on sex abuse charges stemming from his alleged interactions with a 6-year-old child.

Jeffery Edwards Jones, 24, of Corapeake, stands charged with six counts of indecent liberties with a child, one count of attempted first degree statutory rape and four counts of first degree sex offense.

Detective Sergeant Ed Pittman with the Bertie County Sheriff’s Office served warrants on Jones last week (Jan. 15) after he was apprehended by the Gates County Sheriff’s Office.

Pittman stated, &uot;Our office received a report on Jan. 10 in reference to a small child that was sexually assaulted by an older male. I conducted an investigation, including an interview with that child, and obtained warrants afterward.&uot;

GCSO deputies transported Jones back to Bertie County where Pittman served the warrants.

Jones was confined in the Bertie Martin Regional Jail under a $600,000 secured bond.

Pittman expressed his thanks to the GCSO for their assistance in the case.

&uot;I’d like to personally thank the Gates County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the apprehension of this suspect,&uot; he stated.

Jones’ first court appearance was Jan. 16 and his probable cause hearing is set for Feb. 7.