Iredell Man Faces 9 Charges Of Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor

IREDELL COUNTY, NC — A Statesville man was charged with multiple counts of felony second degree sexual exploitation of a minor after the Iredell County Sheriff's Office accused him of uploading videos of children engaged in sexual activity.

According to an arrest report, the sheriff's officer received a tip in late March from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children about the online activity that occurred in January.

"According to the initial report, an unknown person was using various internet sites to upload videos of underage children engaged in various sexual acts," ICSO said.

The sheriff's office launched an investigation, which included interviewing witnesses and serving numerous search warrants.

On May 15, a search warrant was executed at the home of Johnny Lee Hastings, located on Bethlehem Road in Statesville. Following the processing of several electronic devices found in the home, investigators obtained arrest warrants for Hastings on nine counts of felony second degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Hastings was arrested and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center. He was issued a $75,000 secured bond on the charges, the sheriff's office said.