Real Stories Project

05/25/10: Man, 22, rapes girl, 13


salisburypost.com


Sex offender caught on Facebook.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010


A 22-year-old registered sex offender now faces statutory rape charges involving a 13-year-old girl who authorities say he met through Facebook.

The Rowan County Sheriff's Office has charged Steven Lee Odom, of 275 Lake Landing Drive, with three counts of statutory rape/sex offense and soliciting a child by computer, all felony counts.

Lt. Chad Moose said the girl's parents contacted the Sheriff's Office after she admitted having sex with Odom.

Moose said when Odom became aware the girl had told her parents, he filed a report with the Sheriff's Office that someone had stolen his computer.

Moose said Odom apparently believed if his computer was gone, investigators wouldn't be able to track his Internet use or activities on Facebook.

When deputies searched Odom's house, Moose said, they found the laptop.

Moose said authorities are checking the laptop to see if there are other girls with whom Odom may have struck up a relationship.

Odom is also charged with filing a false police report and use of a social networking site by a registered sex offender.

Odom, who is employed as an escort driver for manufactured homes, is being held in the Rowan County Detention Center under $100,000 bond.