CLINTON, Tenn. (WATE) — A Clinton man has been found guilty of rape of a child and incest following an investigation by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.

Royce Scott Earley, 45, of Clinton found guilty of two counts of Rape of a Child, two counts of Incest, and Aggravated Sexual Battery following a three-day trial ending on Feb. 16, 2023.

The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office announced his arrest on charges of child rape and incest on Dec. 16, 2019. After obtaining a statement from a witness, ACSO detective Darrell Slater located Earley in his truck at the Mountain View boat ramp in Clinton. He was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division at the Sheriff’s Office and interviewed by Slater.

After the interview, an arrest warrant was obtained and Earley was placed in custody. He was transported to the Anderson County Detention Facility without incident.

“Anderson County is safer today because of the excellent work by Detective Slater. I want to thank the victim and witness in this case for their courage and bravery,” Anderson County Sheriff Russell Barker said.

Attorney General Dave Clark remarked, “may the delivery of justice and blessings of the almighty allow our young victim to continue in her recovery from the trauma she suffered.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated with additional information.