WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Police Department has arrested a 38-year-old man on 72 charges, including multiple infractions of felony secret-peeping and second-degree forcible rape.
According to WPD Criminal Investigation Division, an intensive investigation took place on 38-year-old Michael Trey of Wilmington. He was arrested in Florida on a fugitive warrant and is being charged with:
- 23 counts of felony secret peeping
- 8 counts of second-degree forcible sex offense
- 4 counts of second-degree forcible rape
- 29 counts of disseminating images obtained from felony secret peeping
- 5 counts of sexual battery
- 3 counts of misdemeanor domestic violence protective order violation
Charges were filed on Aug. 15, 2025, with more executed on Feb. 18, 2026, and offense dates spanning August 2024 through August 2025. In December 2024, Trey allegedly took and disseminated photos without consent of a victim and in violation of state statue.
Court records also indicate he inappropriately participated in fourplay — “for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification and sexual abuse” — allegedly knowing a victim was “physically helpless.” Another incident details he engaged in sexual activity with a victim who was unconscious.
Recent charges brought in the last few weeks are for sexual battery and violating a DV protective order, the latter of which was ordered by Judge Sandra Ray on Aug. 8, 2025 in New Hanover County.
Trey made his first appearance in court on Friday and received a $1 million bond. According to WECT, he had prior larceny and drug charges in Florida and also recently pled to child pornography possession, which secured a 180-day sentence.
The alleged victim in the case sought a protective order and the FBI received a tip after learning images and video were circulating Telegram without consent.
His next court date is March 19 in courtroom 100.
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.
