Wilmington Man Charged with 72 Counts Including Rape and Voyeurism

Authorities say Michael Trey was arrested in Florida on a fugitive warrant and extradited back to North Carolina.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 1:23am

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A 45-year-old Wilmington man has been charged with 72 criminal counts, including serious sexual offenses and secret peeping, related to incidents that occurred in 2024 and 2025. Police say Michael Trey was arrested in Florida on a fugitive warrant and extradited back to North Carolina, where he is being held without bond in New Hanover County.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns in the Wilmington community about repeat offenders and the need for effective bail reform policies to balance public safety with due process. The alleged crimes also raise questions about privacy protections and law enforcement's ability to address voyeurism and other technology-enabled offenses.

The details

According to reports, the 72 charges against Michael Trey include rape, secret peeping, and other sexual offenses. Police say the incidents occurred over a two-year period from 2024 to 2025 in the Wilmington area. Trey was arrested in Florida on a fugitive warrant and extradited back to North Carolina, where he is currently being held without bond as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.

  • The alleged incidents occurred between 2024 and 2025.
  • Trey was arrested in Florida on a fugitive warrant in early 2026.

The players

Michael Trey

A 45-year-old Wilmington resident who has been charged with 72 criminal counts, including serious sexual offenses and secret peeping, related to incidents that occurred in 2024 and 2025.

New Hanover County

The county in North Carolina where Trey is being held without bond as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in Wilmington.”

— Robert Jenkins, Wilmington resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Michael Trey out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges Wilmington faces in addressing repeat offenders and the need for a balanced approach to bail reform that prioritizes public safety while upholding due process. It also underscores the importance of robust privacy protections and law enforcement's ability to respond to technology-enabled crimes.