Pender detectives looking for man accused of sex crimes with child

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The Pender County Sheriff’s Office wants the public’s health finding a man accused of sex crimes involving a child.

Investigators say Pedro Cruz-Martinez is a 35-year-old native of Mexico and former resident of Hampstead and Leland. Cruz-Martinez is approximately 5’2″ to 5’4″ and weighs approximately 170-180 lbs.

Detectives say they began investigating Cruz-Martinez Friday for his involvement in several alleged sexual assaults of a 12-year-old girl. They say another girl came forward from that initial investigation reporting the same crimes. Pender County investigators say their case concerns alleged sexual acts from 2016-2017 when the 12-year-old victim was 9-10 years old.

From this investigation, Pender County Sheriff’s Office detectives got a warrant charging Cruz-Martinez with one count of first-degree statutory sex offense, one count of indecent liberties with a child and one count of sexual battery. They say they expect more charges later.

Today the Aiken Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina found Cruz-Martinez’s vehicle at a relative’s house. Investigators do not know where Cruz-Martinez’s is. They say they believe he is trying to leave the country for Mexico. He has relatives in South Carolina and has lived in Texas, Arizona, New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick Counties.

Anyone with information about Cruz-Martinez, this case or where he is is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Steve Clinard at (910) 259-1515.