Christopher Maurice Lee faces misdemeanor child abuse charges after allegedly dunking his girlfriend's young daughter into the Atlantic Ocean under a North Carolina pier while she screamed and begged him to stop. His girlfriend, Lesley Suzanne McClam, faces similar charges for failing to intervene. The incident prompted onlookers to call 911.
Sunset Beach police say the incident occurred shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the Sunset Beach Pier. A 911 caller reported that Lee was intentionally holding the child upside down by her legs, submerging her face in the water against her will as she screamed and cried. A probable cause affidavit states Lee repeatedly placed the child's head under water, even after she said 'stop,' and continued the action after pulling her out once. McClam stood by without intervening, according to authorities. Christopher Maurice Lee and Lesley Suzanne McClam were arrested and taken to Brunswick County Jail. Each posted a $1,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on May 27. The North Carolina Department of Social Services has been notified and is conducting its own investigation. Sunset Beach Police Department emphasized child safety in a press release, noting awareness of circulating social media posts and videos. 'The safety and well-being of every child in our community remains our highest priority,' the department stated. Witnesses or those with additional information are asked to contact Detective Sergeant Miloszar at (910) 880-8512.