Suspect Arrested, Victim Safe in Child Porn Video

 Donna-maria Harris | 919.996.1200 | Donna-maria.Harris@raleighnc.gov
 Laura Hourigan | 919.996.1219 | Laura.Hourigan@raleighnc.gov

Numerous Raleigh residents have contacted the Raleigh Police Department and reported receiving a child pornography video via social media that has been shared around the world. Authorities in Alabama have arrested a suspect in connection with this crime. They also report that the victim has been located and is safe.

The Raleigh Police Department reminds the public that possession, dissemination, or sharing of this or similar video is a criminal act punishable under North Carolina General Statute §14-190.17:

Second degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

(a)        Offense. - A person commits the offense of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor if, knowing the character or content of the material, he:

(1)        Records, photographs, films, develops, or duplicates material that contains a visual representation of a minor engaged in sexual activity; or

(2)        Distributes, transports, exhibits, receives, sells, purchases, exchanges, or solicits material that contains a visual representation of a minor engaged in sexual activity.

(b)        Inference. - In a prosecution under this section, the trier of fact may infer that a participant in sexual activity whom material through its title, text, visual representations or otherwise represents or depicts as a minor is a minor.

(c)        Mistake of Age. - Mistake of age is not a defense to a prosecution under this section.

(d)       Punishment and Sentencing. - Violation of this section is a Class E felony.  (1985, c. 703, s. 9; 1993, c. 539, s. 1197; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2008-117, s. 4; 2008-218, s. 3.)

In addition to investigating the circumstances of the assault, investigators are working to determine how and by whom the video was shared. If you receive this video through social media, report it to the social media platform and delete it immediately. Do not share it, as criminal charges may result.

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