Tabor City man facing several child sex charges
COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Tabor City Police say a lengthy investigation has resulted in the arrest of a man who had been on the run for more than two months.
According to Tabor City Police, the investigation began on November 14 of 2023, when it received a call about inappropriate groping of a child at a home in the 200 block of Jones St., in Tabor City.
After further investigation, it was determined much more than inappropriate groping occurred, and a warrant was issued for the arrest of Nestor Redonopalomo, 43, of the home.
Police say Redonopalomo took off shortly after police obtained the warrant. Tabor City PD questioned a woman living in the home, Reyna Pineda, 41. Pineda gave them information about Redonopalomo’s whereabouts. She told them he had taken off to the Fayetteville area and was staying with someone there. She also provided police with a couple of phone numbers.
Over the next several weeks, Tabor City PD worked with Fayetteville Police to try to pursue the leads and locate Redonopalomo, but were unable to locate him using the information provided by Pineda.
Tabor City PD once again questioned Pineda about Redonopalomo’s whereabouts and urged her to cooperate fully with police.
Officers returned to the home on Jones St. on January 22nd and discovered Redonopamolo in the home. Police say according to several children who live in the home, Redonopalomo had returned to the home and had been staying there for at least three weeks.
Redonopalomo was arrested and charged. Reyna Pineda was also arrested.
Tabor City PD says the children in the home are now being taken care of by the Department of Social Services.
Redonopalomo is facing several charges, including Indecent Liberties with a Child, Statutory Rape of a Child and 1st Degree Sexual Offense. He made his first court appearance on Tuesday and is being held in the Columbus Co. Detention Center under a $5 million bond.
Pineda is charged with Misdemeanor Child Abuse, but Tabor City PD says those charges will likely be upgraded and additional charges will likely be filed as the investigation continues. She is being held under a $1500 bond.
