According to court records, Peter Alphonso Blake, 33, of Clayton, is accused of breaking into a home on South Whittington Street and sexually assaulting someone. Investigators allege the victim was forcibly confined and subjected to sexual servitude. The victim was reported to be 16 or older at the time of the alleged incident.
The case was reported to Benson police earlier this month, and an investigation began April 8.
Earlier this month, the allegations were reported to the Benson Police Department. On April 8, Johnston County District Attorney Jason Waller and the Benson Police Chief requested assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau (SBI) of Investigation. The Town of Benson said Blake is no longer employed by the department.
The SBI arrested Blake Wednesday morning.
Blake was charged with one count of of forceable rape, one count of first degree kidnapping, one count of first degree burglary and one count of involuntary sexual servitude. He was taken to the Johnston County Detention Center.
Blake appeared in court hours after his arrest at the Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield. A judge set his bond at $5 million and ordered him to surrender his passport. He is also prohibited from contacting the alleged victim or any law enforcement agency he previously worked for.
Prosecutors said Blake had recently returned from Jamaica at the time of the alleged incident.
During the hearing, Blake said he has lived in the United States since he was 9 years old and expressed concern for his family.
"It's unfortunate this happened when I'm just coming back from Jamaica," Blake said. "Me and my wife, I got a 1-year-old and she's 6 months pregnant. It's just us here in North Carolina ... I will happily give up my passport, IDs, anything. I would love to just go home to my daughter."
ABC11 is working to learn more about his career. Blake previously worked for Raleigh Police for just over a year before resigning in 2023. He joined the Benson Police Department in August 2025 and served less than a year before his arrest.
The SBI is still conducting its investigation.
Authorities are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of a similar crime involving Blake to contact the Benson Police Department or the NC State Bureau of Investigation.
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The town released the following statement:
"The Town of Benson and the Benson Police Department are aware of the arrest of an officer early this morning. As of today, this officer is no longer employed by the Town of Benson.
The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation is the lead agency in this case and any questions should be referred to them. The Town of Benson is unable to comment further due to ongoing and future court proceedings."
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