Leland man pleads guilty to statutory rape of child

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Leland man will spend at least 16 years in prison after being convicted of molesting a young girl.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, 44-year-old Adam Andrews pled guilty to Statutory Rape of a Child Younger Than or Equal to 15 Years of Age and Statutory Sex Offense of a Child Younger than or Equal to 15 Years of Age.

According to the DA’s Office, on April 30, 2023, a minor child disclosed to her best friend’s mother that she had been molested by Andrews over the last several years. The best friend’s mother then called the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office. As part of the investigation, The Carousel Center, a child advocacy center, assisted in a forensic interview and medical examination of the victim. During the interview, the victim disclosed she had been molested by Andrews over several years. The evaluation and medical examination’s findings were consistent with a medical diagnosis of sexual abuse.

When detectives interviewed Andrews, he denied all allegations and agreed to have a second interview and take a polygraph test. During the second interview, Andrews did not deny the allegations happened, but said they happened by accident. A subsequent search of Andrew’s cell phone revealed he searched an article entitled “How to Beat a Polygraph Examination” before agreeing to the second interview and polygraph test. Prosecutors say Andrew’s explanation was not plausible, and his internet search showed his guilt.

Andrews was sentenced to 16-24 years in prison He is also required to register as a sex offender.