Salisbury Man Charged With Misdemeanor Child Abuse

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — A Salisbury man has been charged with misdemeanor child abuse following an investigation by the Salisbury Police Department, according to court records.

Willie Junior Wilks, 45, was arrested Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. He is being held in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond.

Court documents allege Wilks physically assaulted a child under the age of 16, creating a substantial risk of physical injury. The charging document states the incident involved placing the child in a choke hold.

The charge was filed Dec. 30, 2025, in Rowan County District Court. A magistrate found probable cause for the charge, which is listed as misdemeanor child abuse under North Carolina law.

The case was investigated by the Salisbury Police Department. No additional charges are listed at this time. Court proceedings are pending.

All charges are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.