On August 16, 2020 at 9:35 pm, officers with the Lenoir Police responded to an address
in the Joyceton area inside the City Limits of Lenoir to investigate the Sexual Assault of an
elderly female. At this time it appears that the suspect was in no relation to the victim. Due to
the sensitivity of this on-going investigation, we ask that you understand the limited release of
information. The Lenoir Police Department will not be releasing any further information at this
time.
As always we strive to keep all of our citizens safe. Much of the time, criminals choose
to utilize the cover of night to prey on un-expecting victims. Utilize things such as outside
lighting, and remove things from the entrances and exits of your residence to minimize areas that
persons wanting to harm someone could possibly hide behind. Anytime citizens have concerns
of suspicious persons or occurrences that they feel is out of the ordinary please call the Lenoir
Police Department, your local law enforcement agency or 911.
This is an active and on-going investigation. We are currently involved in an extensive
effort to follow every lead and piece of information we currently have. If anyone in the
community knows of any information that may aid investigators in this case please, call the
Lenoir Police Department at 828-757-2100 or Crime Stoppers at 828-758-8300.
On August 18, 2020 at approximately 9:47 pm officers from the Lenoir Police
Department arrested Zachary Demill Jones for 2nd Degree Forcible Rape (G.S. 14-27.22). Jones
was at the Lenoir Police Department when he was taken into custody.
Chief Phelps would like to thank the Hudson Police Department for their assistance in
this case. “The assistance provided to our investigators by the Hudson Police Department was
paramount in our ability to make this arrest. These types of crimes are tough on the community
and the officers tasked with investigating them. While an arrest has been made in this case, we
continue to encourage citizens to be vigilant in regards to their safety and security involving
strangers.” –Brent Phelps
It is unknown at this time whether or not this case is related to other cases in our region.
The Lenoir Police Department is working with other agencies to share information related to our
specific case.
This is still an active investigation and additional charges for Jones related to this case are
possible. No further information will be released at this time.
