Thomasville Man Arrested Following Investigation into Sexual Offense Involving Child
On Sunday, August 23, 2026, Patrol Deputies with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Stemp Everhart Road area of Thomasville following a report of a sexual offense involving a juvenile female.
Responding Deputies obtained the information necessary to initiate an investigation, however the suspect had left the area prior to law enforcement’s arrival and was not located at that time.
The investigation was subsequently assumed by the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. Through investigative efforts, Detectives identified the suspect as 41-year-old Santiago De La Cruz Taveras, of Thomasville, North Carolina. The facts and circumstances developed during the investigation were presented to a Davidson County Magistrate, who found probable cause to issue arrestwarrants for Taveras on the following charges:
Felony statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult
Felony taking indecent liberties with a child
Felony attempted statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult
Detectives coordinated with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Warrant Squad, which assisted with efforts to locate and apprehend Taveras. On the morning of September 11, 2026, Taveras was taken into custody without incident.
Following his arrest, Taveras was brought before the Davidson County Magistrate and was initially held without bond pending a hearing before a District Court Judge, due to the nature of the charges. Taveras appearedbefore a District Court Judge, on September 11, 2026.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. No additional information will be released at this time.
Per North Carolina General Statute 15A-532, Judicial officials determine conditions for release of persons in Judicial proceedings. Bond amounts are not set by members of law enforcement. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Contact Detective Hall with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office at 336-242-2120 if anyone has additional information pertaining to the case.
