WAYNE COUNTY — A Wayne County man has been charged following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a juvenile, according to the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began on October 29, 2025, when the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office received notification from Wayne County Department of Social Services regarding a juvenile who attends school in Wilson County. Authorities reported the juvenile had run away from home and was later located and taken into custody by a Wilson County deputy.
During the subsequent investigation, it was determined the juvenile had planned to run away due to ongoing sexual abuse. The Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit conducted a comprehensive investigation, which included child forensic interviews and additional investigative work.
As a result of information obtained during the investigation, George F. Neal, 60, of Arrowhead Road, Dudley, was charged with two counts of felony statutory sex offense involving a person 15 years old or younger. Investigators determined the alleged incidents occurred over an extended period while the juvenile and the juvenile’s mother lived in the same home as the suspect.
The sheriff’s office confirmed Neal is currently incarcerated in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections on unrelated charges.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.
