WHITEVILLE — A four‑year criminal case that began with a disturbing report at Columbus Regional Healthcare System has ended with a conviction. Zachary James Foose, 28, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one felony count of Indecent Liberties with a Child, closing a case that investigators say involved careful interviews, forensic evidence collection and multiple court delays before reaching resolution.
The case began on Nov. 18, 2022, when Columbus County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Columbus Regional for a reported sexual assault involving a five‑year‑old child. Detectives conducted interviews with the child, medical staff and Foose himself. Evidence collected during the hospital visit led investigators to secure a warrant the same day.
Foose was arrested at his workplace in Shallotte and booked into the Columbus County Detention Center under a $25,000 secured bond. He was charged with one count of Indecent Liberties with a Child, a Class F felony under North Carolina law.
Court records show the case moved slowly through the system, with continuances, attorney changes and scheduling conflicts delaying proceedings. Prosecutors with the District Attorney’s Office maintained the charge throughout the four‑year span, citing consistent evidence and statements gathered during the initial investigation.
On July 29, 2026, Foose entered a guilty plea before Judge George Hicks of Cumberland County, who was presiding in Columbus County court. Foose was sentenced to two years of supervised probation, ordered to submit a DNA sample, and placed on the North Carolina Sex Offender Registry for 30 years. He is prohibited from being around children, attending events where children are present, or having any contact with the victim.
Defense attorney Kevin Bullard requested that Foose be allowed to relocate to Brunswick County for employment, which the court approved. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jenna Earley.
Foose must comply with all sex‑offender monitoring requirements and could face prison time if he violates probation.
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