A WakeMed campus police officer turned himself in to Johnston County deputies on Tuesday and now faces a statutory sex charge involving a minor, according to authorities. WakeMed has suspended the officer and says it is cooperating with investigators while prosecutors review the case.
Johnston County authorities identified the officer as Chad Penland, who is charged with a statutory sex offense with a child under 16 tied to alleged conduct from 2022, according to WRAL. Penland turned himself in to the Johnston County Sheriff's Office and was booked on the state charge, the outlet reported. A WakeMed spokesperson told WRAL the organization "has zero tolerance for conduct that threatens the safety and well‑being of its community," and that Penland was suspended immediately.
Officer's background
Public materials show Penland joined WakeMed's campus police in 2023 and appears on hospital staff listings. Earlier public records show he previously served with the Morrisville Police Department. WakeMed's staff newsletter lists Penland among Campus Police personnel, and Town of Morrisville council records reference Officer Chad Penland during official meetings.
Legal context and next steps
North Carolina criminal law treats statutory sexual offenses involving young victims as serious felonies. The statute that covers sex with a person 15 years or younger is N.C.G.S. § 14‑27.30, and penalties vary based on the age difference between the defendant and the victim. The N.C. General Statutes spell out the classifications and potential penalties.
As the investigation continues, prosecutors and magistrates will determine whether additional charges are warranted, set bond and schedule court dates. Officials had not publicly released a court date as of the initial report.
