SWAIN COUNTY, N.C. —

A sex offender in Swain County, North Carolina, has been charged with statutory rape and failure to update his address.

The Swain County Sheriff's Office said that deputies arrested 25-year-old Anthonie John Scott Laplaca on Wednesday.

Laplaca has been charged with the following:

Failure to change address of sex offender

Statutory rape

Three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor

Laplaca was booked into the Swain County Detention Center without bond.

Swain County Sheriff's Office

This case remains an active investigation. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at (828) 488-0159.

"The protection of children in our community remains one of our highest priorities," Sheriff Brian Kirkland said.

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