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Alleged child molester on the run

Gaston Gazette - 2/7/2020

A man accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a girl appears to be on the lam.

Phillip Grady Morrison was expected in Cleveland County Superior Court Wednesday for a hearing. When his name was called, attorneys said they didn't know where he was.

Morrison, 46, of Lincolnton, is accused of kidnapping a teenager he knew and sexually assaulting her in various locations in August 2019, according to prosecutors.

On the same day, investigators believe he also stole a pit bull from a woman and left it sitting in a hot car.

He was arrested and charged with seven counts of first-degree forcible sex offense, three counts of indecent liberties with a child, first-degree kidnapping, cruelty to animals and larceny of a dog.

Morrison later posted bond. Recently, his girlfriend reported him missing to the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. He'd left with her vehicle and never returned. He was found safe in Mississippi but at the time there was no order for arrest out on him, so he was free to go.

Superior Court Judge Todd Pomeroy ordered that Morrison's bond be revoked and that he be held without bond once he's found.

Morrison's family came to court without him. Before they left, Morrison's attorney, Daniel Talbert, told them to let him know if they hear from him.

Morrison's criminal history includes convictions of kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon and breaking and entering.

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(c)2020 Gaston Gazette, Gastonia, N.C.

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