IFN Staff

A Statesville man has been sentenced to a minimum of 12 years in state prison after being convicted of sexually abusing several children, including a 13-month-old child.

Christopher Jose Torres, 28, entered an Alford plea to multiple felony charges, including first-degree statutory sex offense, statutory rape and child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury, in Iredell County Superior Court on August 15.

Judge Lisa Johnson-Tonkins ordered Torres to serve 144 to 233 months in prison. Following his release, he must register as a sex offender for life.

Torres’ arrest and prosecution stems from an investigation by the Statesville Police Department, the Iredell County Department of Social Services and medical professionals.

The SPD opened an investigation on February 17, 2024, after officers responded to Iredell Memorial Hospital after receiving a report about that a 13-month-old child who was unresponsive had been brought in for treatment.

Torres was arrested on March 5, 2025, and charged with numerous felony offenses involving multiple victims, including several children. Additional individuals were also charged in connection to the case.

The Statesville Police Department expressed its gratitude to the Iredell County Department of Social Services, the Forensic Team at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, and the Iredell County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance and dedication throughout this case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Josh Whaley.