Bladen County arrests man accused of sexually abusing a child

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WWAY) – The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Sampson County man on several child sex abuse charges.

Sheriff James McVicker says they arrested Enrique Penaloza Maldonado, 38, of Garland on Tuesday after an extensive investigation.

“We take any allegation of sexual or physical abuse of a minor very seriously,” said McVicker. “Cases like this get the highest of priorities. I am glad we were able to make an arrest in this case. Hopefully no other child will be molested by this man.”

Maldonado was charged with one count of Crime Against Nature, one count of Statutory Rape of a Child By An Adult, one count of Statutory Sex Offense With a Child, one count of Sexual Act By a Substitute Parent and one count of an Attempt of the same crime. Maldonado was  also charged with Taking Indecent Liberties With A Child.

Maldonado is in the Bladen County Jail under a $500,000 secured bond.