Johnston DA: Guilty Plea In Child Sex Abuse Case Leads To Lengthy Prison Term

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A Selma-area man has pleaded guilty to multiple sex offenses involving a juvenile and will serve decades in prison, according to the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office.

Christopher Lee Gill, 48, entered guilty pleas to one count of second-degree forcible rape, two counts of custodial sex offense, one count of sexual servitude of a child victim, and two counts of second-degree forcible sex offense.

The plea came the morning his trial was set to begin on April 13 in Johnston County Superior Court in Smithfield. Prosecutors said Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Slavin and the survivor were prepared to proceed to trial before Gill chose to plead guilty.

The case was heard by Superior Court Judge Paul Ridgeway who sentenced Gill to a minimum of 26 years and a maximum of 51 years in prison.

Gill was originally arrested by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in March 2025 following an investigation into the sexual assault of a juvenile in the Selma area.

In a statement, District Attorney Jason T. Waller said the outcome reflects the office’s commitment to prosecuting child sexual abuse cases.

“The State is pleased with the outcome. Our team led by Assistant District Attorney Caitlin Slavin stood strong and forced this child predator to take responsibility,” Waller said. “These convictions and sentences send the message that when it comes to child sexual abuse, the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office will stand strongly with survivors and justice.”

Waller also thanked the survivor and her family for their cooperation, as well as Joey Herrell with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office for his work on the investigation.