A Hickory, North Carolina, man is facing kidnapping charges after a missing child was found with him in Conover on Wednesday, Oct. 21. William Sessoms, 36, of Hickory, was charged with first-degree kidnapping and abduction of a child, according to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office. He is being held without bond at the Catawba County Detention Center.
TL;DR: A child reported missing was found in Conover, N.C., on Oct. 21 with 36-year-old William Sessoms of Hickory, the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office says. Sessoms was charged with first-degree kidnapping and abduction of a child and is being held without bond. The child has not been publicly identified, and the sheriff’s office has not said how Sessoms knew the child or what led investigators to Conover.
Child found in Conover
According to The Charlotte Focal, citing the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, a child who had been reported missing was found in Conover on Wednesday with William Sessoms. The sheriff’s office did not publicly identify the child.
Sessoms was arrested and charged with first-degree kidnapping and abduction of a child. He is being held without bond at the Catawba County Detention Center.
Many details still withheld
Authorities had not publicly explained what led investigators to find the child in Conover, the Charlotte Focal reported. The sheriff’s office also had not said how Sessoms knew the child or provided details about the alleged abduction. No motive has been publicly discussed.
The limited information released so far reflects the sensitive nature of a case involving a minor. In such cases, law enforcement often withholds details to protect the child’s identity and the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The charges, explained
Under North Carolina law, first-degree kidnapping is a Class C felony that generally involves the unlawful confinement, restraint, or removal of a person for purposes such as holding for ransom, facilitating another crime, or inflicting serious injury — and it carries the harshest penalties when the victim is under 16. Abduction of a child is a separate charge that addresses the alleged taking or carrying away of a minor.
Sessoms being held without bond reflects the seriousness with which prosecutors and judges treat cases involving missing children. A first appearance before a judge, where bond conditions can be revisited, typically follows within days of arrest in North Carolina. Bond in first-degree kidnapping cases is set based on factors including the severity of the offense, the defendant’s prior record, and any assessed flight risk.
What happens next
In North Carolina, first-degree kidnapping is a serious felony, and a defendant held without bond typically appears before a judge for a first appearance within days of arrest, where bond conditions can be reviewed. Abduction of a child is a separate charge covering the alleged removal of the child. Both charges are allegations at this stage.
All charges are allegations. Sessoms is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Image credit: Catawba County sheriff’s patrol car photo via NBC News. Featured image is illustrative and is not connected to this case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the Conover kidnapping case?
William Sessoms, 36, of Hickory, North Carolina. He was charged with first-degree kidnapping and abduction of a child.
When was the missing child found?
The child was found in Conover, North Carolina, on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, with Sessoms, according to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
What are the charges?
First-degree kidnapping and abduction of a child.
Is Sessoms still in jail?
Yes. He is being held without bond at the Catawba County Detention Center.
Has the child been identified?
No. Authorities have not publicly identified the child.
How did investigators find the child in Conover?
The sheriff’s office has not publicly explained what led investigators to find the child in Conover, nor has it said how Sessoms knew the child or provided details about the alleged abduction.
Who is investigating the case?
The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office.
Why has so little information been released?
Cases involving minors are often tightly guarded to protect the child’s identity and to avoid compromising the investigation. Law enforcement typically releases additional details only as the case moves through the court system.
Where are Conover and Hickory?
Both are cities in Catawba County, North Carolina, in the Charlotte metropolitan region. Conover sits just east of Hickory, a short drive away.
