Hampstead man arrested on child sex offense charges

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) —  A Hampstead man has been arrested on multiple child sex offense charges following an investigation by the Pender County Sheriff’s Office.

Justin Matthew-Randall Smith, 33, was taken into custody on Saturday by investigators with the sheriff’s office’s Special Victims Unit and uniformed patrol division. Smith faces charges of statutory sex offense and indecent liberties with a child, according to the Pender County Sheriff’s Office.

Smith received a $150,000 secured bond and made his first appearance in Pender County District Court on Monday.

Authorities say the investigation remains open and additional charges may be forthcoming.

The Pender County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information related to Smith and these crimes to contact Detective Steven Scott at 910-259-1437.