Incest Investigation Leads to Charges Against Two McDowell County Residents

MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. — An investigation by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office has resulted in felony incest charges against two Marion residents following a report made by a family member in June.

According to the Sheriff's Office, 34-year-old Tiffany Adonnus Sydnor of Marion was charged with felony incest by Lieutenant Billie Brown. Sydnor was given a $50,000 secured bond.

Also charged was 49-year-old Corey Terrell Tate of Marion. Tate's bond was initially denied because he was already being held at the McDowell County Detention Center.

The investigation began on June 12, when a family member of one of the suspects contacted the McDowell County Sheriff's Office and reported an alleged incestuous relationship between Sydnor and Tate, who is identified as her biological uncle.

Lt. Brown conducted the subsequent investigation into the allegations. According to the Sheriff's Office, both Sydnor and Tate ultimately admitted to the reported relationship during the investigation.

Following the investigation, both individuals were charged with felony incest.

Incest is a felony offense under North Carolina law involving sexual relations between certain people who are closely related by blood or marriage. The state's incest statute specifically identifies prohibited relationships, including relationships between an individual and their biological uncle or niece.

The case remains within the criminal justice system, and the charges are allegations at this stage. A criminal charge is not a finding of guilt, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The McDowell County Sheriff's Office did not release additional details regarding the circumstances that led to the investigation.