NC officer arrested on 21 sex charges

AHOSKIE, N.C. (WAVY) - An Ahoskie police officer who has worked with the city for nine years is behind bars on 21 sex charges involving a teen.

According to Chief Troy Fitzhugh with the Ahoskie Police Department, agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI)were contacted following a criminal complaint about Ahoskie police officer Andres Jorge Snape, Jr. 

During the NCSBI  investigation, Snape was placed on administrative leave with pay.

Fitzhugh said Snape was fired Jan. 30, arrested in Hertford County on the same day and charged with seven counts of statutory rape of a teen girl between the ages of 13 and 15. He was also charged with seven counts of indecent liberties with a child and seven counts of sexual offense. 

"It just shocked me, because I didn't think he would do something like that," Ahoskie resident Shineque Moore said.

"I think that is nasty and disgusting," Moore said.  "Someone that is suppose to protect you is hurting you.  All police officers can't be judged by what he did. It's just sad that someone you looked up to to protect you is breaking the law. I hope justice is served and he gets what's coming to him."

Snape's first court appearance will be Feb. 1 and a $1 million bond has been set.