North Carolina – A North Carolina man, 26-year-old W. EcIeston, has been indicted on multiple serious charges, including eight counts of first-degree forcibIe se-ual offense, four counts of first-degree forcibIe r-pe, two counts of first-degree kidnaping, one count of possession of a firearm by a feIon, and one count of possession of a firearm with an aItered seriaI number. These charges stem from an extensive investigation into the abduction and abuse of a woman who had been missing for more than four months. The defendant was arrested earlier this year and is currently being held without bond at the county detention center. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 15.
The investigation began when the victim, a 29-year-old woman from North Carolina, walked into the local police department in May and reported that she had been held captive for nearly five months. She explained that she had accepted a ride from the defendant while walking in January. However, the situation quickly escalated into a nightmare of forced confinement and se-ual assauIt.
According to search warrants, the victim described being restrained with chains inside a camper, placed inside a wooden box, and confined in a metaI box to prevent her from escaping. She also reported being physically and se-ually assauIted and threatened with firearms to deter her from leaving. The abuse occurred in two separate campers located at an RV park.
During the investigation, North Carolina authorities discovered several disturbing items at the RV park, including ropes, locks, handcuffs, and a toolbox containing zip ties, gloves, a face mask, and a whip. Additionally, investigators found five maInourished animaIs confined in cages or wooden boxes, living in unsanitary conditions. The presence of these items and animals corroborated the victim’s account of her captivity.
The defendant’s parent, Steven, was reportedly aware of the situation and had been involved in moving the victim between locations. The victim recalled being transported in a trash can on the back of a work vehicle and mentioned that the defendant’s parent had warned his son about law enforcement presence during these moves. However, as of now, he has not been charged in connection with the case.
The victim’s ordeal ended when she managed to escape and seek help. Upon arriving at the police department, she was met by officers who immediately recognized the gravity of her situation. She was provided with assistance and taken to the Sheriff’s Office, where she met with detectives from both counties to provide further details of her captivity. Despite the evidence of occasionally appearing in public, the defendant allegedly kept the victim under constant threat of violence, North Carolina authorities say.