A Vass man was arrested Tuesday after a search warrant was executed at his home during a child sexual exploitation investigation, according to the Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Ronnie Fields said forensic specialists, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Cyber Crimes Unit, served the warrant on August 12 at a Jolinda Road residence. The operation reportedly followed a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Authorities report that the investigation led to the arrest of Craig May, 47, who is facing charges of five counts of felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and five counts of felony third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
May was booked into the Moore County Detention Center under a $500,000 secured bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 11 in Moore County District Court.
The sheriff’s office is a member of the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which works to investigate and prevent online exploitation and abuse of minors.
All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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Contributed by Moore County Sheriff’s Office.