Christopher Maurice Lee and Lesley Suzanne McClam are facing first-degree misdemeanor child abuse charges after an alarming incident on Sunset Beach Pier in North Carolina on Friday evening. Police say Lee dunked McClam’s daughter into the Atlantic Ocean, holding her by the legs while submerging her head under water. The event caused the child to become extremely upset, prompting bystanders to call 911.
Details of the Incident
According to the Sunset Beach Police Department, the disturbing scene unfolded shortly after 6:30 p.m. at Sunset Beach Pier. A 911 caller reported seeing Lee “intentionally holding a child upside down by her legs, with her face submerged in the water against her will while she was screaming and crying.” Authorities stated that Lee repeatedly dunked the child’s head under water, even after the girl screamed and begged him to stop.
The child’s distress was reportedly ignored by Lesley McClam, who was present at the scene but allegedly did nothing to intervene. The police report indicates that after pulling the girl out of the water, Lee attempted to dunk her again.
Social Media Attention and Community Response
The incident quickly garnered attention after videos and social media posts began circulating online. The Sunset Beach Police Department acknowledged the presence of these videos and emphasized that the safety and well-being of every child in the community remains our highest priority. They are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information to come forward.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Following the incident, Lee and McClam were arrested and taken to Brunswick County Jail. They have each been released on a $1,000 bond. Their court appearance is scheduled for May 27. In addition to the police investigation, the North Carolina Department of Social Services has been notified and is conducting its own investigation into the matter.
