PENDER COUNTY — Hampstead resident John Martin Trott, 53, was arrested Tuesday on 23 charges, including indecent liberties, statutory rape and incest.
Pender County Sheriff’s Office announced the charged Tuesday, noting Special Victims Unit Detectives with the Pender County Sheriff’s Office and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office conducted a joint operation to investigate and arrest Trott. Trott’s charges span both jurisdictions.
Two cases have been filed in Pender County; the first includes four counts of statutory sex offense and one count of statutory rape with a child less than or equal to 15 years old, four counts of indecent liberties with a child and incest.
All offenses were against the same victim, a family member of Trott’s. Court documents show offense dates ranging from July 1, 2024, to July 6, 2026, when the victim was between the ages of 12 and 16.
Similar charges were filed in four cases in New Hanover County. The charges include:
- – 2 counts of indecent liberties with a child
- – 3 counts of statutory rape of a child less than 15 years old
- – 4 counts of statutory sex offense with a child less than 15 years old
- – 2 counts of incest with a child
Court documents show Trott’s secured bond was set at $1 million.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
We appreciate your ongoing support.
