Johnston County Man Convicted In Child Sex Abuse Case Sentenced To 40-58 Years

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Johnston County man arrested in 2024 on multiple sex offense charges involving a minor has now been convicted and sentenced to decades in prison.

Fernando Ambriz, now 37, of Benson, was found guilty April 28 in Johnston County Superior Court on two of six charges related to child sexual abuse. The case stemmed from a July 2024 arrest by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, when Ambriz, then 35, was charged with multiple offenses including statutory rape of a child under 15, indecent liberties with a child, and statutory sex offense.

According to Johnston County District Attorney Jason Waller, the crimes occurred over several years and began when the victim was 11 years old.

The seven-day trial was presided over by Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway. Following the conviction, Ambriz was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years and a maximum of 58 years in prison.

“I would like to thank my office’s Special Victims Unit and lead Detective Michael Lambert of the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for their compassion and dedication to this important matter,” Waller said. “Our hearts go out to the brave survivor who had the courage to disclose and testify in this case. She will not be defined by the defendant’s actions but by the courage and strength she displayed in the face of incredible adversity.”

Waller also thanked the jury for its service and said the sentence ensures Ambriz will no longer pose a threat.

“Thankfully, this sexual predator will never again be able to harm another child, and the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue and bring to justice those who prey upon the children in our community,” he said.