Man wanted on statutory rape charges arrested

Juan Antonio Batiste, 22, of 515 Park Drive, faces felony charges of statutory rape and indecent liberties with a child. He was placed in the Johnston County Jail under a $250,000 secured bond.

Investigators said that Batiste and Jamelle Monque Best, 39, gave drugs to a 14-year-old girl they met through friends and then had sex with her in Best's apartment. Police said they also found two handguns and a small amount of drugs in his apartment.

Authorities said they opened an investigation after the girl's parents learned of the abuse and took her to a local hospital.

Best was also in jail under a $352,000 secured bond.

The two suspects both have criminal pasts, according to state Department of Correction records.

DOC records show that Batiste was on probation for a January conviction for assault on a female. He has previous convictions for communicating threats, simple assault and drug charges, as well.

Best has been convicted of selling drugs in Wayne and Carteret counties and assault by pointing a gun, according to records.