BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A Burke County man was found guilty to child sex crimes on Monday, Nov. 10.

56-year-old Cornelius Sylvanus Burnett was convicted of statutory sex offenses and six counts of taking indecent liberties with a child, according to court records.

Burnett was sentenced to 35 to 51 years in prison.

An investigation into Burnett began after the minor victim told a friend about the sexual offenses. The friend reported the abuse to a school guidance counselor who reported to Burke County Department of Social Services.

The victim was removed from the situation and a forensic interview was conducted by the Burke County Children's Advocacy Center.

With help from social services and the advocacy center, the sheriff's office was able to arrest Burnett.

“The District Attorney’s O

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