Swannanoa man charged with sex offense

Court records show $125,000 bond posted after initial detention without bond

A Swannanoa man charged with a felony sex offense in McDowell County posted a $125,000 secured bond Oct. 2 after initially being held without bond, according to court records.

Zachary Groben Lebbon, 29, was arrested Oct. 1 on a charge of second-degree forcible sex offense following an investigation by Detective Kyle Gibson, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office said.

The investigation began Sept. 27, when Deputy Angel Hernandez spoke with a woman who reported that Lebbon had sexually assaulted her while she was asleep at his home, according to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office said the woman reported that the assault occurred earlier that morning. Court records list the alleged offense date as Sept. 26.

Investigators said they obtained evidence supporting the allegation and arrested Lebbon

At his Oct. 2 first appearance in McDowell District Court, Lebbon’s bond was set at $125,000 secured. Court records show the bond was posted that day for $7,500.

A probable cause hearing is scheduled for Oct. 23. The case, numbered 26CR420210-580, remains pending.

The charge is an allegation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.