Former Carolina Beach police officer arrested

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A former law enforcement officer finds himself on the other side of the law.

New Hanover County deputies arrested Joseph Adam Silva today.

According to the Sheriff’s Office website, he was charged with second degree sexual offense at 5:53 this morning. He was arrested on Raleigh Ave.

New Hanover County Sheriff’s spokesman Lt. Jerry Brewer said Silva forced a woman to perform a sexual act against her will.

According to a news release from the Town of Carolina Beach, Silva was hired as a reserve police officer with the Carolina Beach Police Department on March 30, 2015, and separated from employment with the department September 23, 2015.