Sex crimes suspect arrested at Spring Lake motel
After searching for a Cumberland County man for more than a week, multiple law enforcement agencies arrested Peter Messick Saturday afternoon.
Posted — UpdatedPeter Messick, 25, was arrested at the Starlight Motel in Spring Lake. Cumberland County sherrif's Special Victims Unit detectives had been tracking Messick for more than a week, according to a news release.
Detectives had been investigating Messick's involvement with a 15-year-old girl who was with the suspect at the motel at the time of the arrest. Messick was arrested on charges arising from his sexual relationship with the victim, as well as felonious unlawful restraint, according to a Sheriff's office spokesperson.
Officials said additional charges are pending.
United States marshals, Spring Lake police officers and Cumberland County Sheriff's detectives assisted in the arrest.
Messick has a long history of criminal offenses, including numerous felonious assaults, narcotics offenses, and breaking and entering charges. The victim's 19-year-old sister gave birth to Messick's child two weeks ago, the sheriff's office reported.
Messick was placed in the Cumberland County jail and was being held under a $100,000 bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
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