Newton Grove police chief resigns a week after charged with crimes involving a child

NEWTON GROVE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Newton Grove police chief Greg Warren has resigned from his position a week after being arrested on seven felony charges, including secret peeping on a minor.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) arrested Warren, who has been the police chief since 2019, for alleged sex crimes committed in 2023. He was charged with one felony count of indecent liberties with a minor, two felony counts of secret peeping and four felony counts of possessing images derived from secret peeping

Wearing shackles, Warren appeared in person last Thursday in Clinton. He made no eye contact with his family as the prosecutor described how the minor, whom prosecutors say he knew, was sleeping when he took photos of her. The images were found on his iPad.

"She was unaware that these photos were taken," special prosecutor Donna Rainwater said. "The photographs were stored in a hidden folder on the defendant's phone. She was very upset when she saw the photos."

Rainwater said Warren admitted to his family and law enforcement that he took and possessed the pictures.

Further investigation, with consent to examine his phone, revealed four apps that "serve no legitimate purpose," including one that Rainwater called a "high-indicator" of child exploitation.

"To the state, he is a risk, regardless of how long he has lived in this community and regardless of his position in the community," Rainwater said.

Although Warren indicated he would seek private counsel, a public defender in the courtroom asked the judge to set a bond, citing his ties to the community and lack of a criminal record.

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"Even with the allegations at hand, there are other pretrial conditions in place to ensure the safety of the prosecuting witness, as well as the community," chief defender Nicky Dobson said.

Judge Robert Gilmore ultimately denied bond, citing "serious concerns" about proceeding.

His next court date is scheduled for Jan. 15.