FIRST ON 3: Wrightsville Beach peeper pleads guilty

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A man accused of secretly video taping numerous women and men in Wrightsville Beach has pleaded guilty. Johnny Wayne Alford owned up to his actions, pleading guilty to one count of attempted first-degree burglary and 23 counts of secret peeping.

Alford was sentenced to a maximum of ten-and-a-half years in prison. He’ll serve at least eight years. As part of the plea deal Alford will also be entered into the national sex offender registry for 30 years.

During today’s hearing Alford addressed the courtroom. While tearing up, he said, “I do want to apologize to everyone.”

Also in tears inside the courtroom was Alford’s mother, who was there to support her son.

“I’m not saying what he did was right, but like I said, he’s a troubled individual,” Virginia Pender said. “He’s my son. I love him.”

During today’s hearing Alford’s attorney said her client had been a victim of physical and sexual abuse when he was younger. She requested that Alford receive treatment while serving his time. The judge agreed.