WILMINGTON — A 19-year-old was arrested on Saturday, March 21, for allegedly breaking into two apartments at UNCW’s Seahawk Village. Allegedly, he crawled into bed with someone sleeping at one of the campus residences.
Nicholas Edward Morganeli has been charged with two counts of felony first-degree burglary, misdemeanor sexual battery, misdemeanor underage drinking and misdemeanor probation violations. According to the magistrate release order, he was extremely intoxicated upon his March 21 arrest.
Records indicate Morganeli broke into two apartments. One of the victims claimed he climbed into her bed while she sleeping and without permission. Police noted Morganeli “began cuddling her” and inappropriately touched her over her clothing without consent.
Morganeli made his first appearance in court Monday, March 23, and received a $15,000 secured bond, posted that day.
From Raleigh, Morganeli has faced charges before on campus. Just a year ago in April, he was arrested for allegedly starting a fire in a residence hall elevator. However, those charges were dismissed, though Morganeli received misdemeanors for marijuana and paraphernalia possession, as well as disorderly conduct. He was placed on one year probation.
Lawyer James Rutherford, who has requested all discovery in the case, represented Morganeli last year as well. His client now faces probation violation reports; two issued are misdemeanor charges. According to court documents, bond was posted for the misdemeanor probation violations on March 26.
Port City Daily asked UNCW if Morganeli was a student. According to previous reporting he was enrolled at the university; however, a spokesperson said Friday he is no longer enrolled at UNCW. When asked if he had been expelled, the spokesperson detailed:
“Under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, no further information is available.”
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