Pender man convicted, sentenced for indecent liberties with child

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Pender County man will spend at least two decades behind bars after being convicted of sexually abusing a family member.

Last Wednesday in Pender County Superior Court, a jury found William Benson guilty of two counts of First-Degree Statutory Sex Offense and two counts of Taking Indecent Liberties with Children.

An investigation by the Pender County Sheriff’s Office showed that Benson, 65, sexually abused a family member in 2022.

Judge Ricardo Jensen sentenced Benson to between 20-29 years in prison. Benson is also required to register as a sex offender for 30 years when he is released from prison.

District Attorney Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson says, “This conviction sends a clear message that crimes against our most vulnerable will not be tolerated. Protecting children from predators is one of our highest priorities, and we will continue to pursue justice for survivors with unwavering commitment. Let this serve as a reminder that those who exploit and harm children will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law under my administration.”