WINTON – An 85-year-old man is behind bars here after being arrested Friday on three felony charges involving sexual relations with a minor.

Robert Earl Whitaker of 913 NC 561 West, Aulander (St. John community) was arrested for attempted first degree sexual offense, indecent liberties with a child, and sexual battery.

Whitaker was placed in the Hertford County Jail under a $350,000 secured bond and is scheduled to make his first appearance today (Tuesday) in Hertford County District Court.

Hertford County Sheriff Juan Vaughan said his office was contacted Friday morning by family members of the young victim.

“After speaking with the family and performing an investigation we placed Mr. Whitaker under arrest,” Vaughan said.

HCSO Sgt. John Joyner conducted the investigation and was the arresting officer.