WILMINGTON — A Wilmington man pled guilty to to multiple counts of statutory sex offense and statutory rape and also entered a guilty plea to the federal crimes of production and possession of child pornography.
Tony Michael Crisco, 36, was sentenced to 26 to 37 years in prison by Superior Court Judge R. Kent Harrell on July 16. Crisco was detained following an investigation by both the Wilmington Police Department and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office which led to the discovery the defendant abused both a family member and an unrelated minor in 2020 and 2021. Officers also discovered Crisco filmed some of the sexual assaults.
According to the press release, Crisco entered into a plea agreement, which allowed the victims to avoid speaking during trial.
“Crimes against children exploit the most vulnerable members of society and will not be tolerated,” District Attorney Jason Smith said. “Our office is pleased that this case resulted in a lengthy prison sentence for the offender without subjecting his young victims to an emotionally traumatic trial.”
Crisco will also receive his sentences for the production and possession of child pornography next week in a United States District Court.
Upon his release, he will have to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life and will also be under surveillance by the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.
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