A serious case out of North Carolina is drawing attention after authorities announced new charges against professional skateboarder Ray Goff.
According to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Goff has been re-arrested in connection with multiple alleged sex crimes involving minors. Investigators say the accusations go back decades, with incidents reported from the 1990s up through 2010.
Goff, born April 16, 1970, was known in local skate circles around Charlotte. He had sponsorships from smaller brands and was active in competitions and events, often traveling with younger skaters. Police now allege that he used that position of trust to abuse several children, most of them boys.
The case picked up earlier this year when the CMPD’s Special Victims Division received an email from someone who said they had been abused by Goff as a 13-year-old in the 1990s. Detectives interviewed the individual and, from there, began identifying other potential victims. That led to a wider investigation and the start of a formal case.
So far, authorities say they’ve identified at least eight victims, but they believe there could be more people who haven’t come forward yet.
On March 21, investigators secured warrants charging Goff with four counts of indecent liberties with a minor and one count of a statutory sex offense. He was arrested at that time but later posted bond and was released.
The situation escalated again on May 2, when the Crimes Against Children Unit obtained ten more warrants for indecent liberties. With assistance from the Mount Holly Police Department, officers arrested Goff at his home. This time, he was held without bond at the Gaston County Jail before being transferred to Mecklenburg County custody.
Police are encouraging anyone who may have been affected, or who has information related to the case, to come forward. They’ve emphasized that it doesn’t matter how long ago the alleged incidents happened, they still want to hear from potential victims.
Anyone with information can contact CMPD directly at 704-432-3905 and ask for Detective James. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
The investigation is still ongoing as authorities work to identify others who may have been impacted.