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Police officer accused of raping child under age 13

PRE News & Ideas | By Annette Weston
Published January 23, 2026 at 10:13 AM EST
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Halifax County Sheriff’s Office
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An eastern North Carolina law enforcement officer faces felony charges for a crime involving a child.

State investigators have taken a Gaston police officer into custody following a rapid investigation into allegations dating back several years.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation arrested 34-year-old Roderick Howard of Roanoke Rapids.

The officer with the Gaston Police Department is charged with first-degree statutory rape.

According to arrest warrants, the SBI was called by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office to lead the probe.

Investigators say the crime occurred on New Year’s Day in 2018. Court documents allege Howard raped a girl who was under the age of thirteen at the time of the incident.

The Gaston Police Department has not yet commented on Howard’s employment status following the arrest.

Howard is currently being held without bond in the Halifax County Jail as he awaits his first court appearance.
Annette Weston
Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.
See stories by Annette Weston