After a lengthy investigation involving the Department of Family Services and the Texas County Sheriff’s Department, a Summersville man faces a felony rape charge.
Claude Bird, 29, of 22701 Bird Drive in Summersville, was charged with second-degree statutory rape after allegedly orchestrating a long series of incidents involving a 16-year-old girl, according to court documents.
According to a sheriff’s department report, a DFS Children’s Division investigator told authorities that the victim said in an interview that the incidents began when she was 11 years old, and that the most recent occurrence was in January or February of this year.
An investigating deputy reported seizing eight cellular phones and other electronic devices from Bird’s residence that were believed to possibly contain pornographic images. The officer stated that the items were examined at the TCSD office and some did in fact contain images.
The items were reportedly sent to a special investigator for further analysis.
In addition to taking the photos, Bird is alleged to have frequently had inappropriate sexual contact with the girl.
He is held in the Texas County Jail on $500,000 bond.