Many times, law enforcement authorities in North Carolina and elsewhere uncover new information that leads to additional charges against individuals already in custody for crimes. Criminal investigations into individuals do not stop with the initial arrest, as prosecutors seek to build the strongest case possible against the accused. Such action only adds to a defense attorney’s work in trying to clear a client of charges. Now, two men in North Carolina are facing additional charges for sex crimes against minors.
Initial arrest and additional charges
In March 2022, two men from Roanoke Rapids were arrested and charged with dozens of counts of crimes involving third-degree exploitation of minors, 83 to be exact. On Thursday, April 28, Roanoke Rapids police announced they had gained enough evidence to charge the men with an additional 24 charges involving second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Allegedly, the pair had been selling, buying and trading sexually explicit material online of minors performing sex acts with adult men.
Police apparently seized thousands of videos and other material depicting children in a sexually exploitative manner. Each is incarcerated in the Halifax County Jail with a bond of $100,000. The original investigation and subsequent arrests came after tips received by the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Right to defense
Considering the seriousness of these charges, each of the accused will want to work closely with a criminal defense attorney who has experience in internet and child pornography crimes. A lawyer will analyze all aspects of the investigation and arrests and fight to protect his or her client’s rights and liberties. Each of the accused remains innocent unless and until convicted beyond a reasonable doubt in court, and each will likely rely on the services of a defense lawyer to help them pursue the most favorable outcome possible.