Exclusive: Spartanburg man Held on $750k Bond for McDowell Child Sex Offense Case

A South Carolina man accused of committing a sex offense against a 10-year-old child in McDowell County is facing two felony charges and a $750,000 secured bond, according to court records obtained by by WCAB News.

Michael Hiawatha Webb, 66, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, is charged in McDowell District Court with statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult and indecent liberties with a child.

The case, State of North Carolina v. Michael Hiawatha Webb (Case number 26CR396299-580), was filed on Aug. 31.

A McDowell County arrest warrant identifies the investigating agency as the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office and lists the alleged offense date as May 15.

According to the warrant, a magistrate found probable cause to believe Webb unlawfully and feloniously committed the offenses described in the charging document. The warrant was issued Aug. 31.

The charging document alleges Webb engaged in a sex act with a child identified only by initials. The warrant states the child was 10 years old and Webb was 66 at the time of the alleged offense.

A second count alleges Webb took or attempted to take indecent liberties with a child under 16 for the purpose of arousing or gratifying sexual desire, in violation of North Carolina law.

The statutory sexual offense charge is listed in the court record as a Class B1 felony, while indecent liberties with a child is listed as a Class F felony.

The warrant was served Sept. 3, according to the available public records.

Court records show a $750,000 secured bond was set.

In its written findings, the court said Webb does not have a known criminal history but resides in South Carolina and does not have consistent ties to the McDowell County area. The court also noted that electronic monitoring is not available in the judicial district for use in the case.

If Webb is released on bond, the order states he may not leave North Carolina. His passport, if he has one, is to be revoked, and he is prohibited from having direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim or the victim’s family.

The initial release order entered Sept. 3 did not authorize Webb’s release and directed that he be held at the McDowell County Law Enforcement Center pending judicial review of his conditions of release.

The charges contained in an arrest warrant are allegations. Webb is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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