UNCW Student Faces Multiple Charges, Including Sexual Battery, Following Residence Hall Break-Ins

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Nicholas Edward Morganeli, 19, of Raleigh, North Carolina, has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies following alleged break-ins at Seahawk Village, a residence hall at the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW), early Saturday morning. The charges include two counts of first-degree burglary, one count of sexual battery, and one count of underage consumption of beer or wine.

Details of the Incident

According to court records, one of the female residents awoke to find Morganeli allegedly touching her while she was in bed. He is currently being held at the New Hanover County Detention Center without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Prior Arson Conviction

This is not Morganeli’s first encounter with the law on the UNCW campus. In April 2025, he pleaded guilty to arson for setting fire to Loggerhead Hall. WWAY News reported that a student discovered smoke coming from the elevators and found a burned flier taped inside. Morganeli was sentenced to 10 days in jail for this offense.

At the time of the arson, campus officials confirmed Morganeli was a student who had enrolled in the fall of 2024. WECT News has reached out to UNCW officials to determine his current student status.

Previous Charges

Records from April 27, 2025, as well show Morganeli facing charges of burning of a school house, possession of marijuana, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, and possessing a fake driver’s license. Busted Newspaper details a $15,000 bond set for the arson charge at that time.

Ongoing Investigation

Both the recent break-ins and the prior arson case remain under investigation. This is a developing story, and further details will be reported as they become available.