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Child Sex Accusations From 1992 Bring Indictments Save Email Print
Posted: 12:20 PM Jul 18, 2008
 Last Updated: 3:59 PM Jul 18, 2008
 Reporter: Bill Wilson
33 comments
A | A | A

A Stokes man has been indicted for child sex charges which happened 16 years ago.

Bobby Elks is accused of seven counts of statutory rape and five counts of taking indecent liberties with a child.

Washington police say their investigation began late last year and ended with Tuesday's indictment.

Elks was released after posting a $75,000 bond.

Stay with witn.com and WITN News for more on this developing story.
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Posted by: Family Friend Location: Washington, NC on Jul 27, 2008 at 03:55 AM
First off Maxine Jones, you need to read the comment. I never said I was "with" Bobby. I said I babysat his son, and Yes his wife at the time DID know me. What I said was I watched his son and never once did Bobby try anything with me nor did I ever see him try anything with his son, or my younger sister. I am related to his sister so yes, his wife at the time did know me, since I was watching their child so they could both work. The main thing people are forgetting is he has only been accused NOT convicted.
Posted by: Mary Location: beaufort county on Jul 21, 2008 at 07:28 PM
I only wish to ask a question.I was reading on this site about a man being from this same state ,charged with messing with a child sexually and his bond is 150 thousand dollars and bobby elks is only 75 thousand and he is out of jail and he abused more than one child.What kind of strings is he pulling?Why the BIG differance?Are some more important than others?No kidding I would like to know why!
Posted by: Maxine jones Location: washington on Jul 21, 2008 at 05:35 PM
I hope you will air my comment as you have aired the rest b/c some truth needs applying here.As to the person who boasted they were with Bobby when this happened and babysat his son,I wonder does his wife of the same time know you?Also has anyone considered if he is really getting his life in order that he may actually admit it like a real man?Also he would need to do the right thing for his little girl.Maybe he really is changing.I warn you all though the real circumstances have not been aired here and never will be.All of you should be praying that God's will be done here and that will be right for all involved.The girls here may not be perfect but what child deserves this?And by the way,everything is not about money nor revenge,justice alway catches up in the end.
Posted by: Justice Location: Beaufort County on Jul 21, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Knows the system- You obviously do know something about the jusicial system, but know nothing about this particular case. I don't think it's the haunting memory of unjust charges that keeps this man up at night. If you know the judicial system so well you would realize they don't arrest someone for a 16 year old crime with out some kind of convincing evidence.
Posted by: Knows the system too Location: Pitt County on Jul 21, 2008 at 03:26 PM
I agree with you 100%!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Knows the System Location: Beaufort County on Jul 21, 2008 at 01:40 PM
As someone who has many years experience in the court system,I can tell everyone for a fact that these cases of "sexual abuse on a minor" are not always what they seem..I have seen decent people whose lives are ruined because a child decides that they do not like being disciplined by someone so they accuse them of abuse,even if there is no physical evidence...And of course,when DSS gets involved in anything, justice goes out the window...their so-called "investigators" could care less what the truth is,they automatically believe the accuser....I know nothing about this particular case,but I have seen many similar cases in the system...Do Not JUdge this man until the facts come out...Look at the physical evidence,if any..Use your head & do not destroy a person's reputation needlessly because even if they are found not guilty,they can never get past the haunting reminder of these unjust charges...Wake up people, children do lie..
Posted by: Justice Location: Beaufort County on Jul 21, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Janet- You need to get the facts straight, unfortunately it sounds like you have only heard Bobby's version of the story. Under the eyes of the law consensual sex and rape are exactly the same thing when it comes to 13 and 14 year old children and grown men. There was a significant age difference, and when it comes down to it, even if the girls involved had begged for it the resposnibility still lies on the adult. I am glad that Bobby is trying hard to get his life on track, but sometimes it takes owning up to your actions for that to happen. I am sure the accusers would love to be able to share their side of the story.

POST EDITED
Posted by: Janet Location: Greenville on Jul 21, 2008 at 09:39 AM
I know Bobby and I know he has not been perfect. Actually far from it, but with that being said he is trying so hard to get his life on track. He realizes that he has not been perfect and we all know that none of us have been. Give him a chance. There is a huge difference in rape and consensual sex. They were not that far apart in age. And whether people want to admit it or not, just because a girl is under the age of 16 does not mean she is so innocent.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Washington on Jul 21, 2008 at 08:43 AM
It seems that people arrested for these crimes are guilty until proven innocent. I know a family that has had first hand experience with these kind of accusations from a quote"victim". It was her word against his, there was no physical proof that anything had ever happened to the girl. STOP persicuting this man until you know the whole story. You are right the media has a field day with this kind of story, but if Mr. Elks is found innocent you will never hear that. He and his family will go thru living heck before this all comes to an end. I pray for all involved and you should too.

EDITOR'S NOTE: WITN has already offered Bobby Elks the opportunity to tell his side of the story and you can be assured we will report the outcome of this case, regardless of the verdict.
Posted by: Pam Location: Beaufort County on Jul 20, 2008 at 10:27 PM
There is no statute of limitations on a felony, I hope that answers your question anonymous. Also, how do you know the parents had any knowledge of this back then? Keep in mind if there was no evidence there would be no indictment.
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 20, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Hasn't it been a little bit long to file charges on this man now, 16 years, what about the statue of limitations. I'm all for punishing someone for a crime but 16 years later, sounds funny to me. Where has the "victim and her so called parents" been all this time. I am a parent and if this was happening to my child it wouldn't take 16 years maybe 16 minutes!!!!
Posted by: wondering Location: washington on Jul 20, 2008 at 05:01 PM
I was just wondering where were the parents of the victim/victims? Why the parents didnt do something about it way back then ? Sounds kinda odd........maybe their back ground should be looked into also!!!!!!!!!!!1
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Craven County on Jul 20, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Bobby you should be man enough to admit to what you have done, then no one will have to wonder.
Posted by: Friend Location: Beaufort County on Jul 20, 2008 at 01:23 PM
To anonymous: How could you possibly know what the victims have told? Besides what could possibly change the fact that someone commits a crime? He was the adult, nothing can change that. If your husband had sex with a 20 year old when he is 14, that woman should be charged also. You who condone these actions set very low standards of morality. Besides, no one really knows anything about what the victims or the accused have to say. Shame on you who are quick to put blame on someone who obviously struggled with the decision to report the crime. Unless somethng has changed, You can't get disability because you are molested. That is the stupidist explanation I have heard. If these girls were after money. They would have a civil case against someone who actually owned something.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: washington on Jul 20, 2008 at 01:11 PM
I find it hard to believe that we live in a land where you a dont have to be found guilty for your picture to be aired on national tv. I feel Mr. Elks has already been tried and accused and found guilty before even standing trial. This is wrong for the media to go after him and his family life.

POST EDITED
Posted by: justice Location: Washington on Jul 20, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Everyone who is so quick to defend this man, should consider the facts. The police have investigating this crime for a year, their has to be some pretty good evidence for them to arrest someone for a crime this old. And for you who say what a good man he is you should look up his criminal record. You say he has lots of people standing behind him, but those people could not possibly know what was going on inside a house with closed doors. Even if these girls were not innocent (which I do not believe), that would in no way justify his actions. He was over 21. Do the math. It's so sad the things you ignorant people would say on here, this is exactly why so many victims do not come forward. I think the girls are very brave individuals, and I commend them for their actions and trying to protect other individuals.

POST EDITED
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 20, 2008 at 03:37 AM
All of you need to get a life ! you believe everything you read & hear , how sad !stupid & naive of you all !
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 20, 2008 at 03:14 AM
My Husband, Who is 43 yrs. old ,had sex with a woman in her 20's when he was only 14 yrs. old , several times, he cut this lady's grass!OK?!I suppose he's the dog here instead of her , right ?! Cause he's the male! You People Make Me Sick ,Pretending To Be Holier Than Thou,When in fact none of you are better,above&beyond and have more skeletons in your closet than anybody!These Girls were not little sweet & inocent children and they were older than 14 to start with!Only GOD has the right to judge us all !!
Posted by: anon. Location: washington on Jul 19, 2008 at 11:00 PM
I think these charges are bogus. I think one of the women want to get disability or something and is trying to use the "I was molested" theme. I really belive the truth will come out. And for everyone who is talking about a 5 year old, no it was a 15 year old, while he was about 21.
Posted by: Anon Location: NC on Jul 19, 2008 at 04:53 PM
To: Anonymous on JUL 19 at 10:48 AM - No, the age of the "child" does not justify his actions. I was not in any way condoning his actions (if any). I was merely explaining how this "may" have taken so long to come to court, in response to other bloggers questions. My reference to the "possible" age on the victim, was simply to reminder readers that it wasn't necessarily a 5 year old. It "could" have been a 15 year old "girlfriend or consensual lover". Regardless of the age (5 or 15) it is still a crime and if guilty, he should be held accountable. Henceforth my last statement in the previous post ... "may justice be served".
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 19, 2008 at 02:41 PM
i know this guy,he is a very good man i know that he is not like that or even like what they're saying i know the girls too and they're not telling the whole truth . i know he's got alot of people backing him up, that knows the truth about all of this and will be brought up , this man is innocent until proven other wise , there's 3 sides to every story , his , hers , and the truth , the incidence in ? , was known about way back then , it didn't just pop up out of the woodwork yesterday . THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

POST SIGNIFICANTLY EDITED
Posted by: karma Location: Washington on Jul 19, 2008 at 11:53 AM
You know what they say about Karma? Sooner or later your actions will catch up to you. To Family Friend: I would be ashamed to say I was a friend of this man. Just because you don't believe something to be true, doesn't mean it isn't.

POST EDITED
Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 19, 2008 at 11:48 AM
To Anon- If the child was 15 does that in anyway justify his actions?
Posted by: Ms Who Location: NC on Jul 19, 2008 at 11:30 AM
I hope justice will be served. As for why so long to report, sometimes it takes the victim that long to be able to deal with it. It's also hard to prove sometimes, and the pervert is often Mr. Professional with a stellar reputation, at least in public eye. He will also often threaten the victims and family if they report him. The memories do not go away so the elapsed time shouldn't keep the victims from telling the details of what happened. Whether you are 5, 10, 15 or older when victimized, it changes your life forever. Unfortunately it happens much more often than you might think. Blessings and prayers to the victim(s).
Posted by: FINALLY! Location: washington on Jul 19, 2008 at 06:36 AM
an educated person speaks on here! anon..you are so smart!!
Posted by: Anon Location: NC on Jul 19, 2008 at 01:26 AM
I have no knowledge of this case. So I can only speculate that this was only reported late last year when the investigation began. That would likely be due to the victim(s) waiting that long to report. This unfortunately is very common. As far as the time consumed between "late last year" and now, when a crime is reported after such time has passed it takes longer to investigate. ie: locate and interview witnesses and compile all the relevant and required information for seeking an indictment. Then getting it submitted to the Grand Jury can be time consuming on occasions. The wheels of justice, unfortunately, turn slowly. I went to high school with Bobby but didn't know him that well. He would have been 21 - 23 when these crimes occurred. Again, I have no knowledge of the case, but it could have been a 15 year old as opposed to a 5 year old. If he's guilty, may justice be served.
Posted by: Citizen Location: Eastern NC on Jul 18, 2008 at 10:37 PM
I do know this guy and most of his family and I have never known him to do anything like this, but you never really know. I do know that a lot of the women that his been with has young kids and they have never said anything like this about him.
Posted by: concerned parent Location: new bern on Jul 18, 2008 at 08:25 PM
what about any women he was with in the mean time that may have had young children. why was this kept quiet for so long?
Posted by: Family Friend Location: Washington, NC on Jul 18, 2008 at 07:30 PM
I don't believe these charges are valid. This man was already me and I was the same age as the kids that he is being claimed to have done this with and he never touched me. I even babysat for his son. I believe this is some vindictive or false memory.
Posted by: concerned parent Location: new bern on Jul 18, 2008 at 07:30 PM
has anyone asked if he has small children and what are they doing with them
Posted by: mom on Jul 18, 2008 at 05:18 PM
why so long? Is this even a valid claim? This is so weird sounding....... Where did it happen at? The public needs more info.

EDITOR'S NOTE: These are questions we asked today as well. No comment. Thanks for thinking like we do!
Posted by: Citizen on Jul 18, 2008 at 03:47 PM
I too would like to know why it has taken so long to arrest him? Furthermore, I would like to know if there was any conditions put with the bond such as he can not be within so many feet of a child and why was his bond set so low?
Posted by: UNKNOWN Location: Jacksonville on Jul 18, 2008 at 03:02 PM
This is an absolutely sick, sick man. What he has done to countless children is completely, utterly horrifying.
Posted by: upset Location: nc on Jul 18, 2008 at 02:47 PM
I agree with mom location. Throw the book at him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mom Location: nc on Jul 18, 2008 at 02:01 PM
I think that people who do this should be castrated.I don't care if it sounds mean or even drastic. Think about the victim(s). He has done something to them that ALL the counseling in the world will not help. I know.He better be glad it wasn't my child(ren).
Posted by: angry Location: washington on Jul 18, 2008 at 01:22 PM
Why in the world did it take so long to confict him? Most important why is he able to to get out with bail?

EDITOR'S NOTE: The suspect was just indicted (arrested) on Tuesday. He has not yet stood trial.
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