Man pleads guilty to raping woman at homeless campsite in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A South Carolina man pleaded guilty to second degree forcible rape and two counts of second degree forcible sexual offense in New Hanover County court this week.

Franklin Watt Mills, 52, assaulted a 58-year-old woman while she slept at a homeless campsite in downtown Wilmington. The next morning, she spoke with an advocate assigned to assist people in the
downtown business district and he contacted law enforcement on her behalf.

Detectives with the New Hanover Sheriff’s Office identified Mills through surveillance video from the area. Detectives located Mills at the bus depot on Fourth Street.

A sexual assault evidence collection kit was submitted to the NC Crime Lab for analysis. Mill’s DNA was located on the victim’s clothing.

“It was clear from Mills’ actions that he was calculated in this assault, working his way closer and closer to the victim while looking around to ensure he was not seen. Mills preyed on the victim’s vulnerability. Despite not being awake during the assault, the impact of this crime has been tremendous on the victim,” Assistant District Attorney Connie Jordan said.

Superior Court Judge G. Frank Jones sentenced Mills to a minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 11 years in prison. Mills was ordered to register as a sexual offender when he is released from prison.