New Hanover County man sentenced following guilty plea to rape, sexual offense and kidnapping charges
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A man has been sentenced to more than 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple serious charges stemming from a 2023 assault at a New Hanover County business.
According to the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office, Christopher Xavier Adams appeared in New Hanover County Superior Court on July 7, 2026, and pleaded guilty to first-degree forcible rape, first-degree forcible sexual offense, and first-degree kidnapping.
Adams received an active prison sentence of 365 to 498 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, followed by an additional 115 to 150 months. After his release, Adams will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life.
The charges stem from an incident on December 29, 2023, when prosecutors say Adams entered a vape shop on Carolina Beach Road while pretending to be a customer.
Officials said Adams, who was armed with a knife, forced the employee working alone at the store into a back bathroom, where the sexual assault occurred. Investigators said Adams later fled to Jacksonville, North Carolina, where he was arrested several hours later.
Authorities identified Adams as the suspect through multiple pieces of evidence, including the victim’s identification, surveillance video from the business, DNA testing, and Adams’ own statements.
New Hanover County District Attorney Jason W. Smith praised the victim’s courage and the resolution of the case.
“Our office commends the bravery of the victim in this case, and we are thankful that we could reach a successful resolution without a lengthy and difficult trial,” Smith said. “This violent offender will spend the next 40+ years behind bars, where he will no longer be a threat to our community.”
Officials said the plea agreement allowed the case to be resolved without requiring the victim to go through a trial.
