The Pinehurst Police Department has charged a Pinehurst man following a months-long investigation involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
In May, detectives with the Pinehurst Police Department received a cyber tip concerning an individual in the community suspected of possessing and/or distributing child sexual abuse material.
As part of the investigation, detectives seized multiple electronic devices and other materials from the suspect’s residence. Those items were analyzed with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI).
On Thursday, Pinehurst Police detectives, assisted by NCSBI agents, executed an additional search warrant on Lake Forest Drive SW and served arrest warrants on Joseph Byrne, 63.
Byrne was charged with eight counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Byrne is in custody and will be transported to the Moore County Detention Center.
“This case is deeply disturbing, and I am saddened to confront allegations of this nature in our community,” said Pinehurst Police Chief Glen Webb in a statement to Sandhills Sentinel. “It involves child sexual abuse images depicting the sexual exploitation of children. Behind each image is a real child who has suffered deliberate harm that will last a lifetime. The exploitation of children is evil, and no community is immune.
“The Pinehurst Police Department will pursue those responsible, whoever they are and wherever they are. These investigations are highly technical, and I commend our detectives for their diligence and determination. I also thank the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for its professionalism, expertise, and assistance in this case.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges are possible.
Byrne is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news and weekly e-newsletter, please click here.
Photo of Byrne via Moore Detention Center.
