The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office in Statesville, NC received a Cyber Tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on August 9th. The tip indicated that a Skype account was being used to send and received images of nude juveniles engaged in sex acts.
The suspect Brian Harden, 38, owned the Skype account and was arrested.
During the course of the investigation detectives were able to obtain information as to where the images were being uploaded and downloaded and the owner of the account.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence located at 242 Chestnut Grove Road in Statesville.
During the search of the residence more images were discovered on Brian’s computer.
Based on interviews and evidence gathered during this investigation, detectives were able to obtain six Felony Arrest Warrants for Third-Degree Sexual Exploitation of Minor.
Additional charges were brought forward as the investigation continued and Brian was served with three additional charges for Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.
