ELKIN — An Elkin business owner and volunteer with the Elkin Rescue Squad has been arrested and charged with statutory sex offense with a 14-year-old and solicitation of a child by computer to commit a sex act, both felonies, according to the Elkin Police Department.

William Frederick Cosby Jr., of State Road, was arrested Thursday and charged with the offenses and was jailed in the Surry County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond.

According to a written statement released by Elkin Police Chief Monroe Wagoner, the charges stem from an incident in which an adult contacted a local juvenile over the Internet, then approached the same youth in person. The juvenile reported the contact to the police on Nov. 13, prompting an investigation by the department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Thursday that probe led to a search of Cosby’s business, Next Step Wireless, at 2126 N. Bridge St. in Elkin, and his subsequent arrest. He is scheduled for a Jan. 12 court date.

Capt. Jeff Poteat of the Elkin Police Department confirmed Friday evening that the victim was a 14-year-old boy.

Cosby also served as a captain with the Elkin Rescue Squad, a volunteer organization created in 1941 which is not affiliated with the town government.

“Elkin Rescue Squad, Inc. is deeply sorrowed in learning of the criminal charges and recent arrest of former member and Captain William F. (Bill) Cosby Jr.,” Squad Chief James Anderson said in a released statement Friday evening.

Cosby resigned from the squad Wednesday, according to Anderson, who added, “We have had no communication with Mr. Cosby regarding his charges or the arrest.”

Wagoner said he would encourage parents to discuss with their children the potential dangers of Internet use.

“Parents should stress that not everyone that their child may contact over the Internet is a friend,” he said in the written statement. “Parents also should monitor their child’s activity on the computer. If suspicious activity is discovered, parents should discuss it with their child and if necessary contact their local law enforcement agency.