Leland man charged with statutory rape, sexual offense involving child

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — A Leland man is facing three felony sex charges as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations involving a juvenile.

Leland Police arrested 30-year-old Marque Leon Matthews on Sept. 28 and charged him with two counts of statutory rape of a child by an adult.

Police said the charges stem from allegations involving Matthews and a juvenile in April 2025.

Court records show the two alleged offenses occurred April 7 and April 9, 2025.

A separate case filed Tuesday charges Matthews with statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult in connection with an alleged offense on April 9, 2025.

Court records show Matthews appeared in Brunswick District Court Tuesday afternoon and was appointed a public defender. A probable cause hearing on the two statutory rape charges is scheduled for Oct. 19.

Matthews is being held at the Brunswick County Detention Center without bond.

The cases remain pending.