United Family Network Group Home employee was arrested and charged with 16 felony counts involving the alleged sexual abuse of a 15-year-old resident.
ANGIER, N.C. — Authorities say 30-year-old Marcus Melvin Bowser, an employee at a group home meant to protect vulnerable children, is now facing 16 felony charges tied to alleged sexual abuse involving a minor resident.
According to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Bowser — who is from Candler — was arrested and booked into jail on April 15, 2026, following an investigation into allegations that date back nearly a year.
Investigators say the alleged abuse happened between April and June 2025 at the United Family Network Group Home on Ridge Road in Angier, a facility designed to house and care for at-risk youth.
But instead of protection, deputies say a 15-year-old resident became a victim.
Bowser is now facing four counts each of the following serious charges:
- Statutory sex offense with a child
- Indecent liberties with a child
- Sex act by a government or private institution employee
- Sexual servitude of a child victim
Authorities allege that during his short time working at the facility, Bowser engaged in inappropriate and illegal sexual acts with the teen.
Officials say the case came to light after the victim came forward in June 2025.
Once the allegations surfaced, Bowser was immediately terminated from his position at the group home.
