A northeastern Forsyth County couple and an acquaintance have been arrested for allegedly trying to bribe a woman in connection with a rape case.
Michael Sullivan, 40, and wife Carly Sullivan, 31, both of Long Hollow Drive, were arrested Thursday night by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and charged with one count each of influencing a witness.
James Anton Roberts, 22, of Pinetree Circle was also arrested Thursday on the same charge.
The three remain in custody at the Forsyth County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing Monday.
Sheriff’s Lt. Matt Allen said the arrests stem from a 2008 rape charge against Michael Sullivan.
Allen said Roberts approached the witness, who is Michael Sullivan’s accuser, in an attempt to make a deal on Sullivan’s behalf.
“The victim came forward earlier this week saying she had been offered a substantial amount of money to go to the district attorney’s office and drop the case,” Allen said.
He said Roberts was arrested after the woman, whose identity has not been released, spoke with investigators.
“Our investigation continued to find the source of the money, which led to Carly Sullivan and ultimately to Michael Sullivan,” Allen said.
He declined to say specifically how much money was offered.
Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Gene Moss explained that authorities later had Roberts set up a meeting to discuss the payment. Though they expected Michael Sullivan, Carly Sullivan showed up in his place.
Moss declined to comment on the rape case because it is pending prosecution.
Michael Sullivan, 40, and wife Carly Sullivan, 31, both of Long Hollow Drive, were arrested Thursday night by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office and charged with one count each of influencing a witness.
James Anton Roberts, 22, of Pinetree Circle was also arrested Thursday on the same charge.
The three remain in custody at the Forsyth County Detention Center awaiting a bond hearing Monday.
Sheriff’s Lt. Matt Allen said the arrests stem from a 2008 rape charge against Michael Sullivan.
Allen said Roberts approached the witness, who is Michael Sullivan’s accuser, in an attempt to make a deal on Sullivan’s behalf.
“The victim came forward earlier this week saying she had been offered a substantial amount of money to go to the district attorney’s office and drop the case,” Allen said.
He said Roberts was arrested after the woman, whose identity has not been released, spoke with investigators.
“Our investigation continued to find the source of the money, which led to Carly Sullivan and ultimately to Michael Sullivan,” Allen said.
He declined to say specifically how much money was offered.
Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Gene Moss explained that authorities later had Roberts set up a meeting to discuss the payment. Though they expected Michael Sullivan, Carly Sullivan showed up in his place.
Moss declined to comment on the rape case because it is pending prosecution.