SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A 61-year-old Smithfield man, Santiago Consuelo, has been released from custody after posting a $100,000 secured bond following his arrest in connection with a child sex offense investigation.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office arrested Consuelo on October 3 after a five-month investigation. He faces charges of statutory sex offense with a child by an adult and taking indecent liberties with a child.
Authorities said the alleged incident occurred in 2024 but was not reported until May 2025. Because the case involves a juvenile victim, officials have not released further details.
Court records show that Consuelo’s bond was posted through a bail bond company on October 7, leading to his release from the Johnston County Detention Center.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case proceeds through the court system.
