Created: 12/29/2009 3:55:21 PM 
Stokes County, NC-- Investigators with the Stokes County Sheriff's Office are investigating a former part-time police officer in Walnut Cove. Capt. Craig Carico told WFMY News 2 they've charged Michael Louis Mabe, 51, with 15 counts of taking indecent liberties with a child.
The charges are related to alleged incidents that happened between 1987 and 1989.
Carico said the charges were filed as a result of an investigation that started when someone filed a complaint against Mabe on December 11, accusing him of recently commiting statutory rape at his Danbury home.
An investigation into that accusation is underway, but led investigators to probable cause to charge him with the 15 counts of indecent liberties with a child from the late 1980s.
Mabe was arrested on December 21 and Walnut Cove Town Mager Homer Dearmin said Mabe resigned on the same day, before his arrest.
"Officer Mabe was very soft spoken, very good police officer, very dependable, just all you could ask for in a police officer," said Dearmin. "The charges that have been filed are a total shock to us, we're very surprised, very disappointed."
Dearmin said Mabe was a part time officer who worked about 20 hours a month with the Walnut Cove Police Department.
"It is beyond reproach, it is not something, it's something we take very seriously," said Dearmin.
Dearmin and Walnut Cove Police Chief James Hill stressed Mabe was hired under former town administration, and they're doing everything they can to cooperate with the investigation. Dearmin said police operations have not been affected by Mabe's arrest.
Investigators say Mabe posted his $25,000 bond and was released from the Stokes County Jail. His next court date is scheduled for January 20.
The SBI has been called in to assist with the investigation.
