Ash resident pleads guilty to multiple charges involving a minor
By BCNews Staff Writer
May 23, 2026
Bolivia, NC — The Brunswick County court system has sentenced Zachary Prince, 41, of Ash, North Carolina, to 23–32 years in the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction after he pleaded guilty to multiple child sex offenses involving a minor. The sentencing marks the conclusion of a lengthy investigation that began with his arrest by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit in 2025.
Prince, who resided on Little Prong Road in Ash, initially came to the attention of investigators when the Special Victims Unit charged him with 10 counts of Indecent Liberties with a Child in June of 2025. At that time, the Sheriff’s Office described the case as active and ongoing, noting that SVU investigators were continuing to pursue leads and gather evidence.
As the case progressed, prosecutors brought additional and more serious charges based on the victim’s disclosures and supporting evidence. In Superior Court, Prince ultimately pleaded guilty to statutory rape of a child 15 or younger, two counts of statutory sex offense with a child 15 or younger, and indecent liberties with a child. According to court documents, the offenses occurred over a period of years when the victim was between the ages of 12 and 15.
During sentencing, the court imposed a term of 276 to 392 months, reflecting both the severity of the crimes and the duration of the abuse. Prince is required to register as a sex offender, will be subject to satellite‑based monitoring, and is prohibited from having any contact with the victim. Officials noted that the victim, now an adult, demonstrated significant courage in coming forward and cooperating throughout the investigation and prosecution.
Prince has been transferred to state custody, where he will serve a minimum of 23 years before becoming eligible for release. With post‑release monitoring and registration requirements, he will remain under supervision for the rest of his life.
The Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that its Special Victims Unit remains committed to protecting vulnerable members of the community and will continue to pursue cases involving crimes against children with diligence and determination.
All individuals listed are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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