This is the true definition of the creepy ice cream truck guy. The suspect owned an ice cream truck and used it as a front to have sex with children, he pled guilty
Rothwyn Pettiford, 47, was sentenced to prison in August 2026. He had sex with kids in Charlotte, NC on multiple occasions, he owned an ice cream truck that he used as a guise to get close to children.
The first victim was 8 years old when Rothwyn began having sex with the victim during babysitting sessions. Rothwyn was a family friend to the victim.
The sex was from 2008-2012. Rothwyn gave the victim numerous gifts, including video games, shoes, candy, and money from his ice cream truck.
A second victim was also 8 years old when Rothwyn began having sex with the victim from 2019-2022. Rothwyn used his ice cream truck to lure the victim.
The third victim testified that they were also sexually abused by Rothwyn in a similar manner. These incidents occurred in 2006 when the victim was 12-13 years old.
Rothwyn was a friend of the family and helped the victim join a church youth group in which the defendant served as a mentor to teenagers. Rothwyn began spending more time with the victim inviting her to his home and to make runs in the ice cream truck, as well as giving the victim money, clothes, and shoes.
Rothwyn was arrested. In court he was tried for six counts of statutory sex offense with a child by an adult. The jury found him guilty as charged. For three of the counts, he was sentenced to 300-420 months in prison.
For the remaining counts, he received a consecutive sentence of 300-420 months in prison. Upon his release from prison, he must register as a sex offender for 30 years.
