WILMINGTON— A man from Pender County has been charged and sentenced for attempted rape.
Paul Rettinging, a 38-year-old man from Pender County, pled guilty to attempted statutory rape on Friday. He was sentenced to up to 15 years and 9 months in prison and will be required to register as a sex offender for the next 30 years.
Rettinging’s victim was a minor whom Rettinging met at the Skate Barn, an indoor skate park in Hampstead. According to the release from District Attorney Ben David, the defendant admitted to the crimes and told detectives that he believed the victim was 18 at the time.
On the night of the assault, the victim snuck out of her house to meet the defendant, who then took her to his home. The victim was at the defendant’s house for three hours, during which time he violently assaulted her. According to the release, when the victim tried to back away, the defendant said, “No one is coming to save you now.” She told detectives she felt trapped since he was her only way home.
“We hope to save future victims of sexual assault by continuing to vigorously prosecute sexually violent offenders, especially those who prey on children,” said Assistant District Attorney Rebecca Z. Donaldson.“We are so proud of the victim for coming forward and we are grateful for the tireless work of law enforcement and the Carousel Center. We hope this sentence sends a strong message that this behavior will not be tolerated and those who commit these heinous crimes will be held accountable.”
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