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A retired U.S. Army senior noncommissioned officer with ties to Fort Bragg has been charged in Cumberland County, North Carolina, with second-degree forcible rape, incest, and sexual battery, while his wife faces felony charges for allegedly destroying evidence to help conceal the alleged crimes, according to court records.
Court filings show Miguel Angel Cruznieves, 47, a retired Army Master Sergeant formerly assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), was arrested on January 7, 2026, following a Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving his stepdaughter inside the family home.
His wife, Amanda Lea Cruz, the child’s mother, was arrested the same day and charged with two counts of accessory after the fact. Prosecutors allege she took deliberate steps to conceal evidence after being informed of the alleged assault involving her daughter.
Allegations Detailed in Arrest Warrants
According to arrest warrants and charging documents, prosecutors allege that Cruznieves sexually assaulted his stepdaughter over a period spanning March 27–28, 2025. The charges filed against him include:
- Second-degree forcible rape
- Incest
- Sexual battery
Court filings allege that Cruznieves engaged in unlawful sexual contact with the victim while she was intoxicated. Investigators further allege that the conduct escalated into a sexual assault and that Cruznieves should have reasonably known the victim was mentally incapacitated and physically helpless at the time. Charging documents also allege that the acts occurred within a prohibited familial relationship.
Cruznieves was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond, subject to standard arrestable pretrial release conditions, including no contact with the victim and compliance with DNA and fingerprint collection requirements.
Wife Accused of Destroying Evidence After Being Told of Assault
Separate charging documents outline the allegations against Amanda Cruz. According to the warrants, investigators allege that after being informed of the alleged sexual assault of her daughter, she knowingly assisted her husband in attempting to avoid detection and prosecution.
Prosecutors allege that Cruz took steps to remove or destroy potential physical evidence connected to the investigation.
Amanda Cruz was released on a $25,000 secured bond, posted through a professional surety.
Military Background and Fort Bragg Ties
Publicly available Army imagery confirms Cruznieves’ prior service and leadership role. In a June 2021 photo published by the U.S. Army, he is identified as a Master Sergeant and senior supply noncommissioned officer assigned to USACAPOC(A), participating in an Army Combat Fitness Test at Fort Bragg.
While Cruznieves is no longer on active duty, the case adds to a growing list of serious felony investigations involving individuals with military backgrounds. The Salty Soldier is working to obtain additional information regarding Cruznieves’ military service history and any continued professional or civilian ties to Fort Bragg following his retirement, including whether those connections placed him in proximity to the installation or its community after leaving active service.
Court Proceedings Pending
Both cases remain pending in Cumberland County District Court. Disposition hearings are currently scheduled for:
- Miguel Angel Cruznieves: March 24, 2026
- Amanda Lea Cruz: February 24, 2026
Court records show that both defendants waived counsel during initial proceedings, a move that can carry significant legal consequences in felony cases.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office has indicated that anyone who believes they may have been affected by these individuals—regardless of how long ago the incident occurred—is encouraged to come forward, according to investigative notes associated with the case.
All charges described above are allegations contained in court filings. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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