A Benson police officer was charged with rape and kidnapping in Johnston County.
According to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, 33-year-old Peter Alphonso Blake was charged with one count each of forceable rape, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree burglary and involuntary sexual servitude.
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SBI said that allegations of sexual assault were brought to the Benson Police Department. Benson Police Chief Greg Percy then reported that information to the Johnston County District Attorney's office, prompting a joint investigation with SBI.
According to the arrest warrant, Blake broke into a home on April 8 with the intention of raping and subjecting the victim to sexual servitude.
The Town of Benson stated in a press release that it and the police department are aware of Blake's arrest, and that as of Wednesday, Blake was no longer employed.
Percy said Blake was hired by the Benson Police Department in August 2025.
Blake was also an officer with the Raleigh Police Department. The department confirmed to WRAL News that Blake was hired on April 4, 2022 and resigned from his position on July 20, 2023.
Blake was taken into custody on Wednesday and appeared in court for the first time at 2 p.m. via video call.
Blake asked for a bond to be set so that he could see his wife and one-year-old daughter. His bond was set at $5 million. He is to appear in court again on May 7.
The SBI encourages anyone who believes they have been a victim of a similar crime involving Blake to contact the Benson Police Department or the NC SBI.