Catawba County, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Catawba County law enforcement arrested ten individuals in a multi-agency operation aimed at apprehending suspects involved in online child sex crimes. Operation Catawba Net, executed over three days, led to dozens of felony charges against the suspects, who ranged in age from 26 to 72 years. The operation involved undercover officers posing as children or parents to engage with potential predators, showcasing law enforcement’s commitment to protecting the community and its children from exploitation.
Catawba County law enforcement agencies have arrested ten individuals as part of a multi-day operation targeting online child sex crimes. This operation, named Operation Catawba Net, took place on Thursday, October 9, and resulted in the filing of dozens of felony charges against the suspects involved.
The investigation lasted three days and was conducted by multiple agencies, including the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, U.S. Secret Service, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and various local police departments. The primary aim was to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to exploit children online. Undercover officers posed as children or parents to engage with the suspects.
Arrests began within just four hours of the operation going online, demonstrating the swift action taken by law enforcement. Suspects were lured to meet at homes in the area under the pretense of engaging in illegal activities with minors. A total of 40 charges were filed, which included soliciting a child by computer to commit a sex act and attempted indecent liberties with a child.
Among those apprehended, individuals ranged in age from 26 to 72 years. The list of arrested individuals includes:
- Thomas Davonne Ellerbe (26, Morrisville)
- Douglas Peter Hess (72, Conover)
- George Wriston Payne (59, Morrisville)
- Kim Harlan Harris (70, Lincolnton)
- William Patrick Abernathy (56, Newton)
- Ronan Roblero Bartolon (44, Conover)
- Carroll Randol Woodie, Jr. (61, Hickory)
- Robert Gaspare Micciulla (58, Valdese)
- George Eleftheriadis (51, Marion)
- Justin Dean Akers (41, Newport, Virginia)
Most suspects were charged with soliciting a child by computer to commit a sex act, while several also faced additional charges. Notably, one suspect had traveled over two hours from Blacksburg, Virginia to participate in the operation. The actions taken in Operation Catawba Net are intended to send a strong message that child predators will be pursued and brought to justice.
Local community members have expressed strong support for law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to protect children from online predators. This latest operation reinforces the commitment of various agencies in tackling child exploitation and ensuring the safety of minors in Catawba County.
Background on the Operation
Operation Catawba Net was a strategic response to the growing issue of child exploitation through the internet. Law enforcement agencies collaborated to implement undercover tactics aimed at identifying individuals who seek to harm children. By posing as minors or parents, officers successfully intercepted attempts at illegal online communication, leading to the rapid arrests of multiple suspects.
Community Response
The public has shown solidarity with law enforcement’s initiatives following these arrests, emphasizing the importance of such operations in safeguarding the youth. With rising awareness of online predators, community engagement is crucial in fostering a safer environment for children.
FAQ
- How many individuals were arrested in Catawba County for child sex crimes?
- Ten individuals were arrested as part of Operation Catawba Net.
- What was the name of the operation?
- The operation was named Operation Catawba Net.
- What agencies were involved in the investigation?
- Agencies involved included the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, U.S. Secret Service, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and various local police departments.
- What types of charges were filed against the suspects?
- A total of 40 charges were filed, including soliciting a child by computer to commit a sex act and attempted indecent liberties with a child.
- What was the age range of the suspects?
- The suspects ranged in age from 26 to 72 years.
Chart: Key Features of Operation Catawba Net
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Operation Name | Operation Catawba Net |
| Number of Arrests | 10 individuals arrested |
| Duration | 3 days |
| Total Charges Filed | 40 charges |
| Agencies Involved | Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, U.S. Secret Service, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, local police departments |
| Age Range of Suspects | 26 to 72 years |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tribute Paid to Fallen Northern York County Detectives
Additional Resources
- WCNC: 10 Arrested in Operation Catawba Net
- WBTV: 10 Arrested in Catawba County Child Sex Crimes Operation
- WSOC-TV: Undercover Operation Leads to 10 Arrests
- WHKY: Several Suspects Charged in Operation Targeting Online Predators
- Wikipedia: Child Sexual Abuse
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
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