SALISBURY, N.C. (Tuesday, September 9, 2025) – On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., members of the Salisbury Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit arrested Michael Lee King, 65, on the following charges:
- One count of indecent liberties with a minor
- One count of second-degree rape
- One count of rape by a custodian
The charges are the result of a three-month investigation into reports of child abuse involving King. The incidents occurred at multiple locations, including the Damascus Emmanuel Pentecostal Church.
King was booked into the Rowan County Detention Center and is currently being held on no-bond, given the seriousness of the charges.
Chief P.J. Smith stated:
“The hard work of our investigators in bringing this case forward deserves recognition. At the same time, it is profoundly concerning when a person in a position of trust is accused of violating that trust.”
The Salisbury Police Department has identified one victim to date. We urge anyone who may have been victimized by King or has additional information to contact Detective McDaniel at 704-638-5333, the department’s main line at 704-638-5211, or by email at investigations@salisburync.gov
Information can also be submitted anonymously through the Salisbury Police Department’s Facebook page.