An undercover sting operation in McDowell County resulted in the arrests of four men accused of attempting to solicit children online for sexual acts. The operation highlights law enforcement tactics to combat online child exploitation in Western North Carolina.
Operation Details
The three-day sting was conducted by the McDowell County Sheriff's Office in partnership with the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office. The operation targeted individuals from inside and outside the county who intended to travel to the area to meet someone they believed was an underage juvenile to commit sexual acts.
Arrests and Charges
The four arrested individuals are: Justin Bryan Butler, 20, of China Grove, charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear;
• 20-year-old Justin Bryan Butler of China Grove – Felony Solicitation of a Child by Computer/Appear (Bond: $200,000 secured)
• 50-year-old Richard Thomas Culhane of Forest City — Felony Solicitation of a Child by Computer/Appear and Misdemeanor Carrying a Concealed Gun (Bond: $150,000 secured)
• 58-year-old William Cody Beadle, Jr., of Marion — Felony Solicitation of a Child by Computer (Bond: $50,000 secured)
• 39-year-old Terron Juandre Michaux of Lenoir — Felony Solicitation of a Child by Computer/Appear (Bond: $150,000 secured)
Four additional suspects from various counties and out of state are facing charges, with warrants currently pending.
Notable Finding
During the operation, investigators discovered a concealed firearm on one suspect who was traveling to what he believed would be an encounter with a child.
The McDowell County Sheriff's Office indicated plans to share additional information with the community about the dangers of online exploitation in the coming weeks.