News Summary
The Asheville Police Department has made several significant arrests related to sexual offenses, including a registered sex offender behaving inappropriately near schools. Lucas Felix Martinez was arrested for lewd acts near educational premises. Other incidents include a woman guilty of child sexual exploitation and another man accused of luring a child into a park bathroom. These cases highlight ongoing community safety concerns and the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
Asheville, NC – The Asheville Police Department (APD) arrested 43-year-old Lucas Felix Martinez on May 22 for inappropriate behavior near several Asheville City Schools. The arrest took place around 4:30 p.m. after officers were dispatched to investigate reports of suspicious activity near school property.
Witnesses had observed Martinez engaging in lewd behavior, described as “rubbing against a fence,” prompting immediate police involvement. Upon arrival, officers confirmed that Martinez matched the description provided by witnesses and located him on a footbridge adjacent to the school property. Significantly, Martinez is a registered sex offender, which was verified during the APD’s investigation.
At the time of his arrest, Martinez was situated within 300 feet of the educational institution’s premises. He has been charged with felony sex offender unlawfully on premises. Following the arrest, Martinez was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility, where a secured bond of $20,000 was set.
The Asheville Police Department maintains collaborative efforts with the Buncombe County Family Justice Center to provide support for survivors of sexual offenses. The APD encourages any survivors of sexual assault or individuals with information regarding related incidents to reach out. Reports can be made by calling (828) 252-1110, submitting anonymous tips via text to TIP2APD at 847411, or using the TIP2APD smartphone app.
In light of this event, it is pertinent to note that the community has recently faced additional concerns regarding sexual offenses. In an unrelated incident, 31-year-old Lynette Rivera pleaded guilty to charges related to the sexual exploitation of a child. An investigation began on August 17, 2023, revealed that Rivera recorded explicit videos of herself while handling her two-year-old child inappropriately. Following the investigation, Rivera received a prison sentence ranging from 44 to 113 months and will be required to register as a sex offender. Additionally, a lifetime ban has been placed on any contact with her child.
Furthermore, another case has come to light involving 26-year-old Cameron Scott McCullough. Accused of luring a child into a park bathroom with the intent of sexual assault, McCullough recently returned to Buncombe County Jail after the review of his release conditions. He faces serious charges, including felony statutory sex offense with a child by an adult, stemming from an incident dated March 11.
The recent incidents highlight pressing issues regarding safety and sexual offenses within the community, prompting an ongoing dialogue on the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children. Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of all residents, particularly those in and around school zones.
As the Asheville Police Department continues to address these cases, they are committed to holding offenders accountable and providing vital resources for survivors of sexual violence.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Registered Sex Offender Arrested Near School Property
- Wikipedia: Sexual Offender Registration
- WYFF4: Registered Sex Offender Arrested Near School Property
- Google Search: Asheville sexual offender news
- Fox Carolina: Asheville Woman Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Charges
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
