Man arrested on kidnapping, child sex crime charges after juvenile rescued in Cumberland County
WHITEVILLE, N.C. (WWAY) — A 64-year-old man is facing multiple charges after Columbus County Sheriff’s Office investigators located a missing child more than 90 miles from home.
On Monday, the sheriff’s office received a report of a missing child from the Mount Olive Community of Whiteville. The investigation led them to Fayetteville.
Working alongside the Fayetteville Police Department, investigators searched an apartment complex, where they safely recovered the child within 24 hours of the initial report. The juvenile was immediately taken to a medical facility for evaluation and care.
At the scene, deputies arrested Brian Keith Riley, who already had outstanding kidnapping warrants in Columbus County. Riley was booked into the Cumberland County Detention Center without bond.
Fayetteville Police have since filed additional charges against Riley, including:
- Felony Crimes Against Nature
- Indecent Liberties with a Child
- Statutory Sex Offense with a Child Under 15
“Our children are our most valuable gift, and no one should ever threaten their safety or innocence,” said Sheriff Bill Rogers. “The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office will always do everything in our power to protect them. I am deeply proud of our investigators and thankful for the teamwork with Fayetteville Police that made this swift recovery possible.”
The case remains under investigation, and officials say more charges are possible.
