Two Wilmington men sentenced in cases involving children

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Two Wilmington men are headed to prison for a long time after being sentenced in two separate cases involving children. Both were sentenced by the Honorable Phyllis M. Gorham.

Christopher Courchesne (Source: New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office)

According to a release from the New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office, Christopher Courchesne pleaded guilty to attempted first degree sex offense, taking indecent liberties with children, and three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. The victim was the 12-year-old child of a family friend.

During the investigation, Deputies from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office say they found dozens of images of child pornography on Courchesne’s computer. Courchesne was sentenced to 206-335 months in prison and must register as a sex offender for life after his release.

John Stevenson (Source: New Hanover County District Attorney’s Office)

In a separate case, John Stevenson pleaded guilty to attempted felony child abuse. In a joint investigation with Wilmington Police and the New Hanover County Department of Social Services they discovered that in 2015, the defendant punished his five-year-old son by placing the child’s hand on a hot stove. The punishment resulted in second degree burns, causing serious bodily injury.

Stevenson was sentenced to 82-111 months in prison.