ROCKINGHAM — A longtime first responder is facing a sexual assault charge in a domestic case.
Vernon McKinnon, former assistant chief of the Rockingham Fire Department, was arrested Aug. 23 on a charge of second-degree forcible sex offense, according to court records.
The victim listed on the arrest warrant, issued the same day, is his wife, Lynn McKinnon, who works as the sheriff's executive assistant with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Vernon McKinnon, 59, is accused of engaging in a sexual act “by force and against the will” of Lynn McKinnon.
Records show Vernon McKinnon booked into the Richmon County Jail at 11:45 p.m. Aug. 23 and was held without bond over the weekend. His bond was set during his first appearance Aug. 25 and records show he was still being held at noon on a $60,000 secured bond.
He is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 4.
According to the release order, he is to have no contact with the reported victim "in this matter."
After retiring from the Rockingham Fire Department, Vernon McKinnon served as chief of the Northside Volunteer Fire Department.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
