Deputies find nearly 1K Sexually Explicit Photos of Kids, 2 Charged

Buncombe County -- March 29, 2023 : After investigating a Cyber Alert from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children  two men were arrested on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. 

Detectives with the  Buncombe County Sheriff's Office charged James Edd Ligon Jr. and Jacob Hanalei Boyd with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Investigators from the Sheriff's Office's Special Investigation Unit carried out a search warrant in February 2023 as a result of a tip. A little over 1,000 pictures of children that were sexually explicit were uncovered as a result of the investigation.

"The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) is dedicated to investigating domestic violence, sex offenses, and crimes against children. Violence and abuse have no place in our community. Our SIU detectives will continue to fervently pursue all offenders and investigate all tips", said Major John Ledford.

“I am proud of the joint efforts that went into this heartbreaking investigation. We hope that these charges bring some solace to the children and the families affected. If you have experienced violence or exploitation, I encourage you to please come forward and make a report. The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office is here to help", said SIU Detective Michelle Skeeters.

Jacob Hanalei Boyd has been charged with ten counts of Third Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and was placed in the Buncombe County Detention Center after being issued a $30,000 secured bond.
James Edd Ligon Jr. has been charged with five counts of Third Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and was placed in the Buncombe County Detention Center after being issued a $20,000 secured bond.
The Sheriff’s Office is releasing limited information regarding the location and details of this crime out of respect for the victims and their families.
If you are experiencing sexual violence please call 911 immediately or contact Our Voice at (828) 252-0562.

Editor's Note:* A criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

WNCtimes by Marjorie Farrington