Sex offender to serve over three decades in prison

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A New Hanover County sex offender will spend more than 30 years in prison for multiple charges.

On Friday, a New Hanover County jury convicted 50-year-old Robert Pole of three counts of first degree sexual exploitation of a minor, statutory rape, and indecent liberties with a child.

The Honorable Phyllis M. Gorham sentenced Pole to 413-617 months in the Department of Adult Correction. According to District Attorney Ben David, Pole hired the victim in this case, who was 15 years old at the time, to serve as a babysitter for his children. Over time he began to sexually assault her and filmed the assaults.

The jury heard testimony from the victim and the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office detective who charged the case. The jury also viewed some of the footage Pole generated.

After deliberating for several hours Friday afternoon they returned a guilty verdict on multiple charges against Pole. He was found not guilty on a charge of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

“This man was a predator who generated child pornography and took advantage of a young woman who was in his employ. He is deserving of this jury’s verdict and the harsh sentence that was handed down this evening,” said David.