ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A man pleaded guilty Tuesday to three counts of first-degree kidnapping in the abduction and sexual assault of three juveniles, prosecutors said.
Brendan Christopher Poole, 26, entered the plea before Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Grant and was sentenced to two consecutive prison terms totaling 100 to 240 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement.
Poole will be required to register as a sex offender for 30 years following his release. A permanent no-contact order has also been issued to protect all three victims.
The plea agreement was reached with the support of the victims and their families, officials said. Two of the victims’ mothers spoke in court, delivering impact statements and supporting the plea deal.
The charges stem from incidents in which Poole abducted and sexually assaulted the juveniles. Prosecutors credited Asheville Police Department Detective Alexander Wall with identifying the victims through extensive follow-up on multiple anonymous complaints.
“These juveniles displayed immense courage in coming forward,” District Attorney Todd Williams said in a statement. “Their primary motivation was to protect other potential victims, which is a testament to their bravery.”
Because of the sensitive nature of the case and to protect the privacy of the victims, prosecutors did not release further details.
Officials encouraged anyone with information related to similar incidents to contact law enforcement. Victim support services are available through the Buncombe County Family Justice Center at 828-250-6900.