HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. -- A Holly Springs man who's a motivational speaker and youth coach could face life without parole after being arrested for child sex crimes.

51-year-old Winslow Thornton, Jr. is charged with the crimes against two young children, at least one of them he is accused of raping.

Thornton's attorney spoke with Spectrum News about what his client's hopes are moving forward.

"I think at this point the important thing is for everyone to keep an open mind. We're at the very early stages of the case itself. We're not making any other statements other than my client is prepared to defend himself very vigorously in this matter and we will wait to see how things develop," said Attorney Patrick Roberts.

Thornton's next court date is Oct. 22 at 9 a.m.