Report on Child Sexual Abuse Charges in Brunswick County, N.C.

Introduction

This report outlines the recent arrest of a Brunswick County resident on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse. The case highlights critical issues concerning child protection and aligns with the global commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 5: Gender Equality.

Details of the Case

1. Suspect Information: Zachary Prince, 40 years old.
2. Date of Arrest: Friday, June 27, 2025.
3. Charges Filed:
   • 27 counts of Indecent Liberties with a Child.
   • 4 counts of Statutory Rape of a Child younger than 15 years.
   • 12 counts of Statutory Sex Offense with a Child younger than 15 years.
4. Alleged Offense Timeline: June 2011, December 2016, December 2017, December 2018, and December 2019.
5. Current Status: Held without bond; court appearance scheduled for 2 p.m. on the day of the report.

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: This case underscores the importance of effective legal frameworks and law enforcement to protect children from abuse and ensure justice is served.
• SDG 5 – Gender Equality: Protecting children, particularly girls who are disproportionately affected by sexual violence, contributes to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.
• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Addressing child sexual abuse is essential for safeguarding the physical and mental health of children, promoting their well-being and development.

Conclusion

The arrest and charges against Zachary Prince represent a critical step toward upholding the rights and safety of children in Brunswick County. Continued efforts are essential to align local actions with the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring a safe and just environment for all children.

Source: WECT, 2025. All rights reserved.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses criminal charges related to child sexual abuse, which is a violation of justice and human rights, directly connecting to SDG 16’s aim to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable institutions.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Although not explicitly stated, the issue of child sexual abuse often disproportionately affects girls and women, linking to SDG 5’s goal to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Child sexual abuse has severe physical and mental health consequences, implicating SDG 3’s focus on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.

2. Specific Targets Under Identified SDGs

1. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
2. SDG 5 Targets
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
3. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied

1. Indicators for SDG 16.2
   • Number of victims of violence, abuse, exploitation, trafficking and torture per 100,000 population, by age, sex and form of violence (implied by the reporting of charges and arrests related to child sexual abuse).
   • Proportion of children aged 1-17 years who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month (implied context of child protection).
2. Indicators for SDG 16.3
   • Proportion of victims of violence in the previous 12 months who reported their victimization to competent authorities or other officially recognized conflict resolution mechanisms (implied by the arrest and legal proceedings).
3. Indicators for SDG 5.2
   • Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months (implied relevance to sexual violence).
4. Indicators for SDG 3.4
   • Suicide mortality rate (implied as a mental health outcome related to abuse).
   • Prevalence of mental health disorders among children and adolescents (implied by the impact of abuse).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: wect.com