Man charged with assault of child

HILLSVILLE — A 33-year-old man has been charged with sexual assault of a child after a family member complained to authorities, according to Hillsville Police Department personnel.
Phillip Anthony Talbert faces the charge after a March complaint leading to an investigation by Sgt. James Alderman.
Hillsville Police Department’s interim Chief Jason Hawks said the investigation also extended to Pulaski County, where Talbert was said to reside part-time.

New River Valley Regional Jail

Phillip Anthony Talbert

Both the Hillsville Police Department and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office have shared information and involved child protective services in the case.
The child involved in the Hillsville case was said to be under 13 years of age at the time of the incident, according to the authorities.
Town police searched Talbert’s home and computer and other electronic devices as part of the investigation.
Talbert was charged by Hillsville police with object sexual penetration by force, a felony, according to court records. He was charged by a direct indictment and arrested Oct. 3.
Talbert faces three charges in Pulaski County after his arrest there in March — aggravated sexual battery, taking indecent liberties and object sexual penetration.
Talbert remains in custody at the New River Valley Regional Jail, awaiting his ongoing court appearances in both Pulaski and Carroll counties.