Gold Hill Woman Accused in Child Sex Offenses, Assault, and Drug Case

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — A Gold Hill woman is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges in Rowan County after two separate warrants were issued against her in November, according to court documents.

Caroline Marie Poole, 19, was first charged on Nov. 26 with statutory rape of a child 15 or younger and statutory sexual offense with a child 15 or younger. The warrant alleges Poole engaged in sexual activity with a juvenile who was 15 or younger at the time. Investigators noted she was at least six years older than the juvenile and not married to the individual, elements that elevate the charges to felonies under North Carolina law.

A second warrant, issued Nov. 24, adds three misdemeanor charges: simple assault, possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce, and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. In that case, Poole is accused of physically striking another person and possessing marijuana in violation of state controlled substances laws. She is also accused of encouraging a 13-year-old juvenile to be in a fielded area away from home and school where the juvenile was allegedly exposed to marijuana, according to the order for arrest.

Poole waived her probable cause hearing on the felony charges following her arrest on Nov. 26. Her misdemeanor case is set for court on Jan. 28 at the Rowan County Courthouse.

Both matters remain under investigation by the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.