MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — An undercover sting operation targeting people accused of trying to solicit children online led to multiple arrests in McDowell County, authorities confirmed.
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office said the charges stem from individuals 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.
The three-day undercover sting operation, conducted by the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, resulted in the arrests of four individuals.
JUDGE DENIES BOND REDUCTION FOR HOMELESS YOUTH SHELTER FOUNDER FACING CHILD SEX CHARGES
The following four men were arrested and charged:
- Justin Bryan Butler, 20, of China Grove, is charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear. His bond was set at $200,000 secured.
- Richard Thomas Culhane, 50, of Forest City, is charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear and misdemeanor carrying a concealed gun. His bond was set at $150,000.
- William Cody Beadle Jr., 58, of Marion, is charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer. His bond was set at $50,000 secured.
- Terron Juandre Michaux, 39, of Lenoir, is charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear. His bond was set at $150,000 secured.
Justin Bryan Butler, 20;{ }Richard Thomas Culhane, 50; William Cody Beadle, Jr., 58; and{ }Terron Juandre Michaux, 39.{ }(Photos: McDowell County Sheriff’s Office)
In addition to those arrests, four suspects from various counties and out of state are facing charges, with warrants currently pending, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office said.
According to Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan, investigators found a firearm concealed on a suspect that they brought to what he believed would be an encounter with a child.
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office said it plans to share more information with the community in the coming weeks about the dangers of online exploitation.
READ THE COMMENTS (5)
News 13 will have more on this story on Friday’s 6 p.m. broadcast.
