Camp Lejeune man sentenced to more than 30 years in prison for sexually abusing child

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to more than 30 years in federal prison for sexually abusing a child while visiting a family aboard Camp Lejeune.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, David Leonard Mayes was sentenced Monday after a federal jury convicted him in March of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor on a military installation.

Prosecutors said the crime involved a 9-year-old nonverbal child with disabilities. Court records show the child’s mother returned home and discovered the abuse taking place. Authorities said DNA evidence later confirmed Mayes’ involvement.

U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle said the sentence ensures Mayes “cannot hurt anyone else for 30 years.”

The case was investigated by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Special Agent in Charge Kelly Parrish said forensic evidence collected by investigators helped secure the conviction and led to what she described as a dangerous predator being removed from the community.

Mayes was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III.