SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Three investigations have been resolved by the Pender and New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office — two narcotics cases and one statutory rape case.
In a press release issued March 18, the DA’s office announced the three cases were closed in the counties’ superior courts.
John Roger Taylor
John Roger Taylor, 40, of Wilmington, pleaded guilty on Thursday, March 12, to trafficking cocaine level II, trafficking MDMA level I, trafficking cocaine level I, possession of a firearm by felon, and possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a Schedule II controlled substance.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Vice and Narcotics detectives received a tip in August 2025 and investigated the residence of 1028 Saint Andrews Drive, apartment 302. Detectives found Taylor received cocaine through the mail from out of state.
A search warrant was issued in September 2025, and detectives found roughly 111 grams of cocaine and 34 grams of MDMA, among other narcotics and a black Ruger handgun in the same apartment. Law enforcement officers also intercepted three packages en route to Taylor’s residence, yielding approximately 128 grams of cocaine in one package and 225 grams of cocaine in another.
Judge R. Kent Harrell sentenced Taylor to a minimum of 12 years in the Department of Adult Correction and a $50,000 fine.
Austin Charles Williams
Austin Charles Williams, 26, of Goldsboro, pleaded guilty on Thursday, March 12, to trafficking in opium or heroin by possession level III, trafficking in opioids by transportation level III, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, and trafficking opioids by possession, level II.
In April 2025, Williams was first stopped by a Wilmington Police Department officer in the 5002 Market Street area; Williams’ license was suspended. During the stop, the officer saw drug paraphernalia in the vehicle, prompting a search. Law enforcement uncovered roughly 120 grams of fentanyl, among other contraband, inside a backpack. Williams was arrested and posted bond.
Later in 2025, New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office detectives received a tip about a drug deal in the county, on a property Williams inhabited at the time. A search warrant later yielded about 34 grams of methadone and other undisclosed narcotics and contraband.
Judge Harrell sentenced Williams to a minimum of 19 years in prison and ordered a $500,000 fine.
Antonio Hernandez
Antonio Hernandez, 32, of Rocky Point, pleaded guilty on Friday, March 13, to statutory rape of a person 15 years old or younger.
According to the press release, Hernandez lived next door to the 14-year-old victim and was touching her inappropriately for two years. Authorities were informed of the case after the victim disclosed the abuse to the school. The victim said she was raped by Hernandez a month before she spoke to school officials.
The Pender County Sheriff’s Office investigated the matter shortly thereafter, and therapists at the Carousel Center interviewed the victim and conducted a physical examination at the. The findings were consistent with the account of sexual abuse.
A Pender County deputy contacted Hernandez with the victim’s phone and Hernandez admitted to having sexual intercourse with the victim.
“This abuse came to light because the victim in this case was able to turn to a trusted adult at school and disclose what was happening to her,” District Attorney Jason Smith said in a press release. “The work of the school official, Deputy Garcia and Sgt. Clinard of the Pender County Sheriff’s Office, and the Carousel Center, this sex offender will spend the next 13 years behind bars.”
Judge Harrell sentenced Hernandez to up to 21 years in the Department of Adult Correction.
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