A South Carolina resident has been arrested and charged following a Waxhaw Police Department investigation into an alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl.
According to officials, the case involves 22-year-old Philip J. Emerson of Indian Land, South Carolina. Authorities say Emerson allegedly sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl during the summer of 2024 at a home on Lydgate Drive in Union County.
The alleged abuse was first reported to Waxhaw police in May 2025. Detectives launched a monthslong investigation, which ultimately led to charges of statutory rape of a child and statutory sexual offense of a child.
Emerson waived his right to extradition and was booked into the Union County Jail on July 23, 2025. A secured bond of $150,000 has been set by the court.
North Carolina’s legal framework permits the prosecution of felony sex crimes without any statute of limitations, enabling law enforcement to pursue charges despite the time elapsed since the purported incident.
Waxhaw Police are appealing for anyone with relevant information or potential witnesses to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the Waxhaw Police Department through official contact channels.
Key Details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Philip J. Emerson, 22, Indian Land, SC |
| Alleged Victim | 14-year-old girl |
| Location | Home on Lydgate Drive, Waxhaw, NC |
| Incident Period | Summer 2024 |
| Report Filed | May 2025 |
| Charges | Statutory rape of a child; statutory sexual offense of a child |
| Bond | $150,000 secured bond |
| Legal Note | No statute of limitations for felony sex crimes in NC |
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