Ashe Mountain Times

Two West Jefferson men charged in separate child sexual abuse cases have been arrested, according to information released Jan. 9 by Ashe County Sheriffs Office Captain Carolyn Gentry. 

Marvin Ray Simcox, 25, of West Jefferson, was arrested on five counts of first-degree statutory sex offense; two counts of first-degree rape of a child; and three counts of statutory sexual offense by an adult.  

Simcox was initially arrested on a charge of first degree rape of a child on Jan. 4, and held on a $250,000 bond. He remained in jail and more charges were filed later, which added an additional $500,000 bond. The combined bond total is $750,000.

More charges are expected, according to Gentry. 

“There are multiple victims ... and (the abuse) began when the children were 5 years old,” according to a statement issued by Gentry, who said the victims are now 14 and 15 years old. “First-degree rape of a child involves children under the age of 12. Statutory sexual offenses involve children ages either 13, 14 or 15.” 

James Colton Ray Eldreth, 22, of West Jefferson, was arrested initially on Jan. 5, for statutory rape and sexual offense. Eldreth was later released on $100,000 bond. Eldreth was later arrested on Jan. 9, and charged with five counts of statutory sexual offense and is currently held on $350,000. Eldreth's first appearance is scheduled for Jan. 10. 

According to Gentry, the alleged abuse occurred during a two-year period.