A Kinston man has been arrested for multiple sexual charges with a child.

Joseph Allen Wade, 27, was arrested today following a months-long investigation by Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office detectives. They were notified of a report of sexual allegations from the Onslow County Department of Social Services on March 8 involving a juvenile victim that occurred in Lenoir County. The reported incident occurred during May 2021 and August 2022.

After the investigation by LCSO detectives, the Lenoir County District Attorney’s Office was consulted and approved the following charges, for which Wade was arrested:

• Sexual activity by substitute parent/custodian

• Statutory sex offense with child under 15

• Indecent liberties with child

Wade was placed in the Lenoir County Jail and given no bond pending his first court appearance.