UNCW student charged with burglary, sexual battery, probation violation

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A UNCW student is facing multiple felony charges, including two counts of first-degree burglary and sexual battery, following an incident at a campus apartment complex, according to court documents.

Nicholas Edward Morganeli, 19, of Raleigh, was arrested March 21 by UNCW Police.

According to a magistrate’s order, Morganeli is accused of breaking into two apartments occupied by women at Seahawk Village on Seahawk Village Loop.

Court documents also allege Morganeli entered one woman’s bedroom without permission, got into her bed while she was asleep and began cuddling her, then touched her without consent.

He is also charged with underage consumption of alcohol.

Morganeli was given a $15,000 secured bond.

A probation violation has also been filed against Morganeli related to a 2025 case in New Hanover County. According to court records, he is accused of violating the terms of his probation by allegedly committing these new crimes.

Last year, Morganeli was arrested in connection with a fire inside Loggerhead Hall at UNCW. Warrants at the time alleged he burned material inside an elevator, triggering a fire alarm.

Court records show Morganeli later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana up to one-half ounce and possession of marijuana paraphernalia. He received a suspended sentence and was placed on 12 months of probation.