On Thursday, August 4th 2016 Investigators with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office arrested Leslie Craig Nobles, age 23 of Chocowinity, NC on eight counts of Statutory Rape of Victims Who were under the age of 15 and three counts of Statutory Sex Offense of Victims Who were under the age of 15.
The investigation of Nobles began in late June when the Sheriff’s Office received a tip that Nobles had disseminated a graphic photo of himself to a girl under the age of 15. During the investigation the Sheriff’s Office re-opened a case from 2012, in which Nobles had allegedly had sex with a 14 year old, while he was greater than 4 years older than the victim. In the weeks after receiving the tip Investigators conducted over 23 interviews of victims, witnesses and Nobles himself. The investigation showed that Nobles youngest victim was 13 years old while he was greater than 9 years older. The investigation, which is still continuing, has so far revealed over 9 victims. The Sheriff’s Office believes it is likely that more victims will be discovered in the days and weeks to come. Nobles still faces more charges stemming from the offenses committed against the original 9 victims. He also could be facing charges in another Eastern North Carolina county.
Nobles who is in the NC Army National Guard’s 514th MP Company out of Winterville, was arrested near his home and is being held in the Beaufort County Detention Center under a $300,000.00 secured bond.
Sheriff Ernie Coleman is asking anyone with information in this case or anyone who may have been a victim of Nobles, please contact his Investigation Division at 252-946-7111 or Crime Stoppers at 252-974-6400. Information from sources given to Law Enforcement through Crimes Stoppers can remain anonymous.
