Two men and five juveniles face charges after videos circulated on social media showing a teenage boy being beaten in Lenoir County.
The sheriff's office held a news conference at 1 p.m. on Friday to update the public on the case.
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Sheriff Jackie Rogers said the apparent assault happened on May 23 and was captured on video by several witnesses.
"It was horrible to look at," Rogers said of the video.
He said a school resource officer was initially notified of the incident on May 27, but the victim "was reluctant to talk [due to] some retaliation," Rogers said.
The victim and and his father eventually reported the alleged assault on Monday, June 15, to the sheriff's office.
On Thursday afternoon, deputies interviewed a group of witnesses about a series of videos shared by several users on social media.
That same day, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office arrested 18-year-old Ashton Clark, 19-year-old Landon Harris and another 17-year-old.
Clark was charged with felony assault by strangulation and conspiracy. He is being held in Lenoir County Jail under a $50,000 bond.
Harris was being held on $2,500 bond, was charged with cyberbullying and conspiracy.
The five juveniles connected to the case face charges that range from felony assault by strangulation to assault with a deadly weapon and simple assault.
Rogers said more charges could be added as the investigation continues.
On Friday, Rogers was asked why no one was charged with attempted murder. A sheriff's office spokesperson said the evidence didn't support that more severe charge.
Sheriff: Breakup, retaliation behind alleged assault
In one video, a teenage boy is knocked to the ground then he is punched by a young woman. Two other videos show young men holding the same teen in chokeholds.
"The assault appears to stem from a breakup between the victim and his girlfriend as well as allegations that the victim has stolen some items from the girlfriend," Rogers said. "The victim stated that his ex-girlfriend arranged [for] the individuals to assault him ...
"The victim was attending the party at the residence with a friend."
Deputies have not named the teen who was attacked.
One of the people seen in the video is related to the sheriff.
"The juvenile female who is seen throwing the first punch is second cousin on my wife's side of the family," Rogers said. "I have served in law enforcement for more than 34 years, and my integrity and trust of this community means everything to me.
"Regardless of whether you're ... a family member, friend or stranger, the law applies equally to everyone. There will be no special treatment in this case."
Rogers said he's requested the State Bureau of Investigation to review the case to ensure the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office has conducted a "complete and thorough investigation."
"Everyone who participated in this assault will be held accountable and charged accordingly," Rogers said. "Thank you to everyone who called and came forward today with information regarding the disturbing video that was posted on social media this morning."
Rogers said the May 23 incident did not appear to be racially motivated.
"I still stand by that based on the evidence we've received so far," Rogers said.
The Lenoir County Sheriff's Office continues to review evidence in this case alongside the District Attorney. The investigation is ongoing.