News Summary
Penny R. Williams, a 62-year-old resident of Kill Devil Hills, faces multiple felony charges including second-degree kidnapping and child abuse. Following a child abuse report that led to her arrest, she is being held on a $150,000 bond. The nature of the allegations remains undisclosed. This case has raised awareness about child safety and preventive measures in North Carolina, as community vigilance is essential in safeguarding children.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina – A local woman is facing severe legal consequences after being charged with multiple felonies involving child abuse and kidnapping. Penny R. Williams, aged 62, was arrested following a child abuse report that prompted action from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Social Services on May 23, 2025.
Williams is charged with one count of felony second-degree kidnapping and three counts of felony child abuse. She is currently being held on a secured bond set at $150,000, allowing for her potential release pending the ongoing legal proceedings.
In North Carolina, a charge of second-degree kidnapping is classified as a Class E felony and is punishable by a prison sentence of up to 88 months. Additionally, child abuse cases that result in serious injury can lead to sentences of up to 204 months in prison. The specific details regarding the nature of the child abuse allegations have not been publicly disclosed by local law enforcement officials.
The investigation into Williams’ actions is ongoing. Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Dare County Sheriff’s Office at 252-475-5980 or the Dare County Communications Center at 252-473-3444.
In recent years, cases of child abuse have intensified calls for increased awareness and preventive measures across the state. North Carolina has seen various initiatives aimed at educating the public about the signs of abuse and ensuring swift reporting to protect children. The involvement of the Department of Social Services in this case highlights the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and social services to investigate and address protective issues relating to vulnerable children.
The legal ramifications of child abuse and kidnapping are severe. North Carolina law stipulates strict penalties to deter these serious offenses. The escalation of such charges helps draw attention to the pressing need for community vigilance and response when it comes to safeguarding children.
As the investigation continues and additional details may emerge, the community of Kill Devil Hills remains watchful, reflecting on the broader implications these events have on ensuring child safety and prevention strategies going forward.
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Additional Resources
- WAVY: Kill Devil Hills Woman Facing Kidnapping and Child Abuse Charges
- 13News Now: Penny Williams Charged with Kidnapping and Child Abuse
- The Coastland Times: Currituck Opioid Advisory Board Hosts Officials
- The Coastland Times: Annual Report for Trillium Health Resources
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare 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 Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
