Hickory Man Charged With Kidnapping And Child Abduction

A Hickory man is charged with both the abduction and kidnapping of a child. 36-year-old William Ethan Sessoms of 1st Street Place SE in Hickory was arrested Wednesday (October 21) by Catawba County Sheriff’s Officers. He’s charged with abduction of children and first-degree kidnapping.

According to court records, on August 18, 2026, Sessoms allegedly abducted a minor from DSS, who was lawfully entitled to the child’s care. Records also state that Sessoms took an action described as kidnapping the child on that same date.

Following the arrest, Sessoms was jailed in the Catawba County Detention Facility under no bond. A Thursday (October 22) District Court date was scheduled.

Story: Rob Eastwood