On June 28, 2022, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office received a report involving a sex offense that had occurred in Randolph County. Following an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division Detectives, warrants were sought against Shawn Lee Willard for Felony Statutory Rape of a Child by an Adult, Felony Indecent Liberties with a Child, Felony 2nd Degree Forcible Rape, Felony 2nd Degree Forcible Sex Offense, and Misdemeanor Resist-Obstruct-Delay. The magistrate found probable cause to issue the warrants.
On June 29, 2022, at 9:00 pm, Shawn Lee Willard was apprehended by the Randolph County Criminal Apprehension Team on Camp Nawaka Rd. Ext., Randleman. Willard was located in the trunk of a vehicle belonging to Tera Dee Bennett. Willard was attempting to elude arrest.
Bennett was arrested for Misdemeanor Resist-Obstruct-Delay for aiding Willard in attempts to evade arrest by transporting and hiding Shawn Willard in the trunk of her vehicle while giving false information to law enforcement officers.
Willard and Bennett were transported to the Randolph County Detention Center and taken before the magistrate.
Willard was issued a $1,000,000 secured bond and Bennett was issued a $3,150 secured bond. A first appearance was set for both for July 1, 2022, in Randolph County District Court.
Name of Defendants:
Shawn Lee Willard Tera Dee Bennett
Age: 22 Age: 41