Durham Police Encourage Sexual Assault Survivors to Report After Major Arrest

Police charged Kenneth McNeil with over 15 sex crimes, many against children, spanning 26 years

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Durham police are encouraging survivors of sexual assault to report their experiences after a major arrest. Police charged Kenneth McNeil with more than 15 sex crimes, many against children, over a span of 26 years. Police Chief Patrice Andrews urged survivors to report, saying there is always a chance for justice, even years later. The coordinator of the sexual assault nurse examiner program at UNC Health, Audrey Mrad, also encouraged reporting, noting that many perpetrators do not act only once.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of survivors reporting sexual assault, even if the crimes occurred long ago. It also underscores the need for resources and support to help survivors through the reporting process, as many face barriers like shame, fear of not being believed, and fear of the perpetrator. Encouraging reporting can help link cases together and bring more offenders to justice.

The details

In the case of Kenneth McNeil, police say the crimes he is charged with took place over the span of 26 years. The sexual assault nurse examiner program coordinator, Audrey Mrad, explained that adults have the option of having evidence collected without initially reporting, but must then decide whether to report and have the evidence processed. For minors, all adults in North Carolina are mandated reporters and must report suspected child sexual assault to law enforcement and child protective services.

  • Police charged Kenneth McNeil with the crimes in February 2026.
  • McNeil's next court appearance is scheduled for March 3, 2026.

The players

Patrice Andrews

Durham Police Chief who encouraged sexual assault survivors to report their experiences.

Kenneth McNeil

A man charged with over 15 sex crimes, many against children, spanning 26 years.

Audrey Mrad

Coordinator of the sexual assault nurse examiner program at UNC Health, who encouraged survivors to report and explained the reporting process.

Monika Johnson Hostler

Executive director of the North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault, who discussed barriers survivors face in reporting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“What I want to highlight there is just showing that no matter what happened, please report. There's always a likelihood, there's always a chance that we can bring the offender to justice.”

— Patrice Andrews, Durham Police Chief (WRAL)

“More people reporting and more people collecting evidence, we're able to have a higher chance of linking those cases together.”

— Audrey Mrad, Coordinator, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program, UNC Health (WRAL)

“Reporting shifts the blame from the survivor to the perpetrator of the sexual violence.”

— Audrey Mrad, Coordinator, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program, UNC Health (WRAL)

What’s next

The judge will decide on March 3, 2026 whether to allow Kenneth McNeil to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of survivors reporting sexual assault, even years later, in order to help link cases together and bring more perpetrators to justice. It also highlights the need for resources and support to help survivors through the reporting process, as many face significant barriers to coming forward.