Castle Hayne man facing new child sexual exploitation charges – WECT

Report on Child Exploitation Arrest in New Hanover County, N.C.

Overview of the Incident

On February 4, 2026, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (NHCSO) arrested 41-year-old Benjamin Godwin on 10 new counts of child exploitation. This arrest is part of ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable children, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Details of the Charges

According to the charges filed, Godwin possessed videos and images depicting children aged 1 to 12 engaged in sexual activity. The materials were reportedly in his possession from February to December 2025.

• 5 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in the Second Degree (Felony)
• 5 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in the Third Degree (Felony)

Previous Legal Proceedings

Benjamin Godwin was already facing charges in Pender County related to child exploitation. He was taken into custody on January 22, 2026, and subsequently released on a $75,000 bond on January 27, 2026. Following the new charges, Godwin is now being held without bond.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

Godwin is scheduled to appear at the New Hanover County Courthouse on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to address the new charges.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Efforts by law enforcement to arrest and prosecute offenders contribute to building effective, accountable institutions that uphold justice.
   • Protecting children from exploitation supports peaceful and inclusive societies.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Preventing child exploitation helps safeguard the physical and mental health of children.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Addressing exploitation contributes to the protection and empowerment of vulnerable children, including girls, promoting gender equality.

Source: WECT, 2026

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article discusses child exploitation crimes and legal actions taken, which relate to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective institutions.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Although not explicitly mentioned, child sexual exploitation disproportionately affects girls and women, linking to the goal of eliminating violence against women and girls.
3. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Protecting children from exploitation contributes to their physical and mental health and well-being.

2. Specific Targets Under the 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 exploitation.
3. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for Target 16.2
   • Number of victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation identified and assisted.
   • Number of reported cases and prosecutions related to child sexual exploitation.
2. Indicator for Target 16.3
   • Proportion of victims of violence who have access to justice and reparations.
   • Number of convictions for crimes related to child exploitation.
3. Indicator for Target 5.2
   • Prevalence of violence against women and girls, including sexual exploitation.
4. Indicator for Target 3.4
   • Prevalence of mental health conditions among children affected by exploitation.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wect.com