A multi-agency operation targeting individuals looking to have sex with children has led to multiple arrests.The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), executed a three-day undercover sting operation utilizing agents from both divisions who specialize in online crimes against children. The undercover sting resulted in the following individuals being charged in McDowell County:Justin Bryan Butler, 20, of China GroveRichard Thomas Culhane, 50, of Forest CityWilliam Cody Beadle Jr., 58, of MarionTerron Juandre Michaux, 39, of LenoirButler was charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear and given a bond of $200,000.Culhane was charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear and misdemeanor carrying a concealed gun. He was given a bond of $150,000.Beadle was charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer and given a $50,000 bond.Michaux was charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear and given a bond of $150,000 secured.The McDowell County charges stem from individuals both within and outside the county who intended to travel to the area in hopes of meeting with an underage juvenile to commit sexual acts.Additionally, four suspects from various counties and even out of state are facing charges, with warrants currently pending.McDowell County Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan stated that the undercover operation was an intense, around-the-clock initiative designed to protect children before they ever become victims. Buchanan talked about the finding of a concealed weapon during Culhane’s arrest. “While we have no way of knowing what his ultimate intentions were, we do know what was going on in his mind based on the extremely inappropriate conversations this monster, who is a grown adult, was having with what he thought was an underage female. Thank God our detectives intervened before anyone was harmed.”Sheriff Buchanan added, “And let me be clear – If you’re engaging in inappropriate conversations with children online, you can expect to be meeting us soon. These types of operations will continue in McDowell County. We will find you and you will be held accountable.”
A multi-agency operation targeting individuals looking to have sex with children has led to multiple arrests.
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), executed a three-day undercover sting operation utilizing agents from both divisions who specialize in online crimes against children.
The undercover sting resulted in the following individuals being charged in McDowell County:
- Justin Bryan Butler, 20, of China Grove
- Richard Thomas Culhane, 50, of Forest City
- William Cody Beadle Jr., 58, of Marion
- Terron Juandre Michaux, 39, of Lenoir
Butler was charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear and given a bond of $200,000.
Culhane was charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear and misdemeanor carrying a concealed gun. He was given a bond of $150,000.
Beadle was charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer and given a $50,000 bond.
Michaux was charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear and given a bond of $150,000 secured.
The McDowell County charges stem from individuals both within and outside the county who intended to travel to the area in hopes of meeting with an underage juvenile to commit sexual acts.
Additionally, four suspects from various counties and even out of state are facing charges, with warrants currently pending.
McDowell County Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan stated that the undercover operation was an intense, around-the-clock initiative designed to protect children before they ever become victims.
Buchanan talked about the finding of a concealed weapon during Culhane’s arrest. “While we have no way of knowing what his ultimate intentions were, we do know what was going on in his mind based on the extremely inappropriate conversations this monster, who is a grown adult, was having with what he thought was an underage female. Thank God our detectives intervened before anyone was harmed.”
Sheriff Buchanan added, “And let me be clear – If you’re engaging in inappropriate conversations with children online, you can expect to be meeting us soon. These types of operations will continue in McDowell County. We will find you and you will be held accountable.”
