Erwin Father & Daughter Arrested On Incest Charges After DNA Tests Confirm Paternity

Erwin Father & Daughter Arrested on Incest Charges After DNA Tests Confirm Paternity

ERWIN, N.C. – A disturbing case out of Erwin, North Carolina has left residents stunned after a father and his adult daughter were both arrested and charged with incest following DNA testing that allegedly confirmed the father had fathered his daughter’s infant child.

According to the Erwin Police Department, the investigation began on May 9, 2024, when Mackenzie Elizabeth Hicks — who was 18 at the time — came to the police station and accused her father, Julius Grant Jackson, of sexually assaulting her over a period of several years, beginning when she was approximately 13 years old.

Investigators say Hicks initially provided information about the alleged abuse but later expressed reluctance to pursue charges, reportedly stating she did not want her father to be criminally charged.

In September 2024, Hicks’ biological mother contacted police and reported that her daughter was pregnant and believed the pregnancy was the result of sexual contact between Hicks and Jackson. During her conversation with detectives, the mother reportedly stated that she believed some of the sexual interactions may have been consensual, despite Hicks being underage at the time.

Authorities have stressed that a minor cannot legally consent to sexual activity, and the allegation did not halt the investigation.

The mother also reportedly told detectives that information related to the alleged relationship had been observed on Jackson’s digital tablet, raising further concerns. Around the same time, a woman described by police as a family friend came forward and told investigators she had learned Jackson was the biological father of Hicks’ infant son.

Based on the growing evidence, detectives sought search warrants to obtain DNA samples and seize items believed to have evidentiary value. DNA testing conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation reportedly confirmed that Jackson was the biological father of the child.

With the DNA results in hand, officers moved to make arrests on December 18.

Police say that when they arrived at a St. Matthews Road residence, Jackson and Hicks fled the scene in Jackson’s truck, leading to a brief pursuit before both were taken into custody. During a search of the vehicle, officers reported discovering multiple loaded, high-powered firearms.

Jackson, now 40, faces numerous charges, including felony incest, felony crime against nature, felony fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, hit-and-run with property damage, resisting a public officer, possession of a fictitious driver’s license, and multiple traffic violations. His bond was set at $1.55 million secured.

Hicks, now 20, is charged with felony incest and felony crime against nature and is being held on a $1 million secured bond.

Erwin Police Chief Jonathan Johnson said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges may be filed. He also confirmed that the Harnett County Department of Social Services has intervened to ensure the infant involved in the case is being cared for by responsible adults.

Both defendants appeared for first appearances on December 19 in Harnett County District Court before Joy A. Jones. Court-appointed attorneys were assigned to each defendant, and a probable cause hearing is scheduled for January 6.

Authorities say more information could be released as the case continues to unfold.