Charges get more serious against Jessica Wishnask

Things have gotten considerably more serious for former Williston Middle School teacher Jessica Wishnask. New charges were filed against her Thursday afternoon in New Hanover County Court.

Statutory rape and dissemination of harmful materials are two of the newest charges against Wishnask, but the District Attorney’s Office says more may be headed her way.

The charges against Jessica Wishnask started out as indecent liberties with a child. Thursday, Wishnask was behind bars in New Hanover County Jail again, facing charges of statutory rape, a felony, and dissemination of harmful material, a class one misdemeanor.

“These charges are much more serious as far as structured sentencing than what she was faced with before,” said DA Ben David.

Wilmington police arrested Wishnask in Martin County, early Thursday morning.

The case has quickly gained momentum. Wishnask and a 15-year-old boy were discovered on May 23rd, engaging in indecent activity in the back seat of a car.

“Proactive police officer out in the field, investigating a suspicious set of circumstances, and that’s how this all started,” said Chief Ralph Evangelous.

The investigation is still ongoing, which could mean more charges against Wishnask.

Based on the information so far, detectives have determined the inappropriate and illegal activity between Wishnask and the fifteen-year-old boy happened both within and outside of the Fifth Judicial District.

The Wilmington Police Department and the District Attorney believe Wishnask was exchanging inappropriate content with the minor prior to her May 23rd arrest via e-mail and text messaging.

They also have reason to believe the youth was taken across state lines.

“For instance, if travel is involved for the facilitation of a felony, and is done without parental permission, that can be a de-facto kidnapping charge, even though we have may have a different concept of what that is,” Ben David said.

Wishnask made her first appearance in court today, via video. Cameras were not allowed into the courtroom.

The District Attorney’s Office did say the young boy and his family are cooperating with the investigation.