A local business owner faces multiple felony charges after police say he had “unlawful sexual contact” with a juvenile he had employed, and then destroyed evidence of the incident.

Officers of the Elizabethton Police Department arrested Gary Mac Hicks, 56, of 105 Second Ave., Hampton, Tuesday morning on an indictment charging him with two counts of sexual battery by an authority figure, three counts of soliciting sexual exploitation of a minor, and two counts of tampering with evidence. The indictment was handed down Friday by the Carter County Grand Jury. Hicks is the owner of the Sycamore Drive In restaurant located on Sycamore Street in Elizabethton.

The charges stem from an investigation by the Elizabethton Police  Department into allegations that Hicks had unlawful sexual contact with a minor he employed at his business.

According to the indictment, “Gary Mac Hicks was, at the time of the alleged unlawful sexual contact, in a position of authority over (the alleged victim), and intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly used such position of trust to accomplish the sexual contact.”

The alleged victim was at least 13 years old but younger than 18, according to the indictment, when the incidents reportedly took place in June 2017.

Officers arrested Hicks Tuesday morning and he was taken to the Carter County Detention Center where he was booked in and then released after posting a $25,000 bond. EPD Capt. Shane Darling is asking anyone who may have information about this case, or any related incidents, to please contact the Elizabethton Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 547-6250.

This case is being prosecuted by the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office, Pro Tem.