A Fuquay-Varina Town Board member finds himself being accused of abuse and inappropriate contact with his teenage daughter. However, when reporters with the Fuquay-Varina Independent questioned those involved in the matter about the charges, all parties involved remained tight lipped about the case.

On May 22, an order of protection was issued against Fuquay-Varina Town Commissioner Jim Abernethy by a Wake County judge. According to reports, the issue requires Abernathy to stay 100 yards away from his wife and stepdaughter.

According to the News and Observer, Rhonda Abernethy, Jim Abernethy’s wife, alleges that the commissioner verbally, emotionally and mentally abused her for two years. Rhonda Abernethy also claimed that the commissioner allegedly inappropriately touched his 16-year-old stepdaughter and told her sexually explicit things.

When reporters with the Fuquay-Varina Independent contacted Jim Abernethy to see if he would be willing to comment about these charges, he stated that it was a personal matter and that he was not willing to talk about it at this time. Jim Abernethy also stated that he would possibly be willing to talk after the case has been resolved. A court hearing for the case is set for August 16.

Jim Abernethy then said if the newspaper (Fuquay-Varina Independent) had any other questions, that we could contact his wife.

However, when the staff contacted Rhonda Abernethy, who serves as the Town of Angier’s Postmaster, a person speaking on her behalf said she was unwilling to answer any questions at this time.

The Fuquay-Varina Independent also contacted the Town of Fuquay-Varina’s Public Information Officer Susan Weis and was told that this was a personal matter and that the newspaper staff should contact the Abernethy family.