A former Benson police officer was arrested in town on Wednesday and is now facing a string of felony charges, including forcible rape, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree burglary and involuntary sexual servitude. Authorities say the alleged victim was 16 or older, and a magistrate found probable cause to issue the charges on April 22. Agents with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) carried out the arrest, and the former officer was taken to the Johnston County Detention Center.
Allegations And Charges
According to court records and reporting by ABC11, the charges trace back to an alleged April 8 break-in at a home on South Whittington Street in Benson. Prosecutors allege the victim was forcibly confined and “subjected to sexual servitude,” and a magistrate found probable cause to support the four felony charges on April 22.
Investigation Led By SBI
Benson Police Chief Greg Percy and Johnston County District Attorney Jason Waller requested assistance from the North Carolina SBI on April 8, prompting the state-level investigation, as reported by WRAL. SBI agents arrested the former officer Wednesday morning, and court paperwork shows the defendant was scheduled for an initial appearance before a magistrate that afternoon.
Town Reaction And Custody
The Town of Benson told ABC11 that the officer is no longer employed with the town and that it could not comment further because of ongoing and future court proceedings. ABC11 also reports that the SBI is encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim in a related incident to contact either the Benson Police Department or the SBI directly.
The suspect was booked into the Johnston County Detention Center. The Johnston County Sheriff's Office lists that facility and its contact information on its website.
Legal Process, Next Steps
Because a magistrate found probable cause, the case will move forward through magistrate and superior court as prosecutors weigh formal indictments or other motions. WRAL notes that the defendant's initial appearance was scheduled for Wednesday, with further action to be determined by the district attorney's office. The SBI remains the lead investigative agency while the Johnston County courts handle charging and pretrial matters.
