Warren County suspends deputy accused of sexual advances

Deputy Cornelius Orlando Davis, 40, of 119 Downey Road in Norlina, will stay on unpaid, administrative leave while he fights two misdemeanor charges of sexual battery.

Raleigh police say that Davis rubbed his genital area against women's buttocks at Kohl's and Wal-Mart in the Alexander Place Promenade, off Brier Creek Parkway and Glenwood Avenue. One of the alleged incidents occurred New Year's Eve, the other May 30.

Davis' first court appearance was rescheduled after the court clerk's office misplaced his paperwork Friday. It was moved to Feb. 2.

Davis posted a $10,000 bond Thursday afternoon to be released from the Wake County Jail. Officers arrested Davis Wednesday night after security staff at Kohl's and Wal-Mart said he was acting suspiciously.

Police connected the incident to a similar one at Wal-Mart in May, one in which they had not identified a perpetrator. Police said they reviewed surveillance tapes, among other evidence, but wouldn't release them, since a suspect was already under arrest.

Davis has worked for the Warren County Sheriff's Office for about two years, said Warren County Sheriff Johnny Williams, who declined to comment on Davis' personnel record.

Raleigh police believe that Davis might have molested more women who have not yet come forward. Any women who had contact with Davis or experienced other unwanted contact were urged to call Detective T.J. Ouellette at 919-431-1383.