FORT PAYNE, Ala. - On Wednesday, June 29th, Thomas Eric Lipham (42 of Fort Payne) was arrested and charged with Sex Abuse of a Child Less Than Twelve and Sex Abuse 1st. 

Thomas Eric Lipham (42 of Fort Payne)

Bail was set at $265,000 for Lipham, who is being held in the DeKalb County Detention Center.

This investigation is ongoing.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "I would like to thank the DeKalb County Criminal Investigations Unit and DHR for their dedication and determination to keeping our children safe.  There is so much evil in the world we live in, but having people like you, that live to serve and protect, is truly a blessing."

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.