WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — A 56-year-old man was taken into custody Monday following the sexual assault investigation of a juvenile.
On April 30, an incident involving a child was reported to the Wrightsville Beach Police Department. The assault took place in July 2017. After three months of investigation, WBPD decided to seek charges against the suspect, Walter Bennett Craven.
Warrants for Craven’s arrest were issued by a New Hanover County magistrate Friday, July 22 for charges of indecent liberties with a child and first-degree forced sex offense. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve the warrant the same day but could not locate the suspect.
After further investigation, officers discovered Craven had possibly gone to the Lake Waccamaw area. The WBPD contacted the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in issuing the warrant.
Craven was found and taken into custody by Columbus County deputies July 25, and he was placed under a $300,000 secured bond.
Tips or comments? Email [email protected].
Want to read more from PCD? Subscribe now and then sign up for our morning newsletter, Wilmington Wire, and get the headlines delivered to your inbox every morning.
