Former Aberdeen Police Lieutenant Leigh Ann Brooks was arrested Wednesday on several child sex charges.
On Nov. 30, 2025, the Aberdeen Police Department placed Brooks on administrative leave while the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) was going to conduct an independent investigation into allegations that she sexually assaulted a minor in 2004 before she was employed by the Aberdeen Police Department.
On Dec. 2, 2025, Aberdeen Police Chief Brian Chavis asked the SBI to initiate an investigation after his department received an allegation from a family member of sexual assault.
SBI agents recently completed a thorough investigation and presented the findings to the Moore County District Attorney’s Office for review.Â
As a result, Brooks has now been charged with the following crimes:
— 5 counts of felony indecent liberties with a child
— 4 counts of felony statutory rape/sex offense of a child more than 6 years old
— 1 count of felony sex offense – parental role
Chavis said “nothing seemed out of place” and that Brooks passed her psychological exam during her employment interview. She was fired from the department on June 9 after the department learned that Brooks would be charged in the investigation.
“I, Chief Chavis, am heartbroken for the victim and commend the courage demonstrated throughout this investigation,” said Chavis in a press release. “While Lieutenant Brooks was not employed by the Aberdeen Police Department at the time of the alleged incident, we remain committed to maintaining public trust, accountability, and transparency.
“I would also like to express appreciation to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Moore County District Attorney’s Office for their professionalism and partnership throughout the investigation.”
On Wednesday morning, SBI members took Brooks into custody. They transported her to the Hoke County Detention Center, where she appeared before a magistrate. Brooks received no bond and will appear in court soon.
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Photo: Leigh Ann Brooks is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Contributed photo.
*Press release from SBI and APD.
