Former Benson Officer Allegedly Used Police Investigation To Gain Access To Victim’s Home, Warrants Say

Content Warning: This story contains descriptions of an alleged sexual assault that may be disturbing to some readers.

BENSON, N.C. — Newly released search warrants provide the first detailed account of the allegations against a former Benson police officer accused of raping a woman while responding to a call for service earlier this year.

Peter Alphonso Blake, 33, of Clayton, was arrested April 22 following an investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. He faces charges of first-degree forcible rape, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree burglary and involuntary sexual servitude.

According to affidavits filed in support of search warrants obtained by the SBI, the alleged assault occurred on April 8 after Blake responded to a report of a stolen iPad at a neighboring home in the Benson city limits.

Investigators said Blake initially made contact with the woman while investigating the theft report.

About 10 minutes later, Blake allegedly returned to the woman’s house, telling her he had additional questions about the stolen iPad and asking for permission to search her residence for the missing device. The woman agreed, according to the search warrant affidavit.

While searching the home, investigators said Blake asked the woman to identify a small object in a corner of the residence near a washing machine. As she moved closer to look at the item, Blake allegedly pushed her over and sexually assaulted her.

The affidavit states Blake used a rag from the washing machine following the alleged assault before leaving the townhouse. The woman preserved the rag and later took it with her to Betsy Johnson Hospital, where she underwent a sexual assault forensic examination. SBI agents collected the woman’s clothing, the rag and the sexual assault evidence collection kit as evidence.

According to investigators, the woman first told a friend what had happened. The friend notified a Dunn police officer, who reported the allegation through his chain of command because it involved a law enforcement officer. The Dunn Police Department then contacted the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office, which requested the SBI conduct the investigation.

The newly released court records also show the SBI obtained search warrants for Blake’s personal cellular phone and for swabs from inside his cheek to obtain a DNA sample as part of the investigation.

Blake had been employed by the Benson Police Department since Aug. 28, 2025. He was terminated the morning of his arrest on April 22.

The SBI has previously said anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a similar crime involving Blake is encouraged to contact the Benson Police Department or the SBI.

Blake previously served with the Raleigh Police Department from April 2022 until July 2023. He remains in custody without bond.