The McDowell County Child Predator Sting led to multiple arrests after a three-day undercover operation targeting online solicitation of minors.
MCDOWELL COUNTY, N.C. — A three-day undercover child predator sting in Western North Carolina has resulted in multiple arrests after investigators say several men showed up expecting to meet an underage child for sex.
According to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, the operation was conducted in partnership with the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office. The coordinated effort targeted individuals allegedly using the internet to solicit minors.
Authorities say trained undercover agents posed as juveniles online. The suspects were arrested after allegedly engaging in sexually explicit conversations and arranging meetings with who they believed was an underage girl.
WHO WAS ARRESTED?
Investigators confirmed the following individuals were charged in McDowell County:
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Justin Bryan Butler, 20, of China Grove
Charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear.
Bond: $200,000 secured
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Richard Thomas Culhane, 50, of Forest City
Charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear and misdemeanor carrying a concealed gun.
Bond: $150,000 secured
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William Cody Beadle Jr., 58, of Marion
Charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer.
Bond: $50,000 secured
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Terron Juandre Michaux, 39, of Lenoir
Charged with felony solicitation of a child by computer/appear.
Bond: $150,000 secured
Officials say some of the suspects traveled from outside McDowell County and allegedly intended to meet a juvenile in person.
Authorities also confirmed that four additional suspects from other counties and out of state are facing charges, with warrants currently pending.
SHERIFF SPEAKS OUT
McDowell County Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan described the operation as an “around-the-clock initiative” focused on preventing children from becoming victims before harm occurs.
During the arrest of Richard Thomas Culhane, deputies discovered a concealed firearm. While investigators say they cannot determine what his ultimate intentions were, Sheriff Buchanan stated that detectives intervened before any potential harm could occur.
He issued a strong warning:
“If you’re engaging in inappropriate conversations with children online, you can expect to be meeting us soon. These operations will continue in McDowell County. We will find you and you will be held accountable.”
Law enforcement agencies across North Carolina have increased proactive operations targeting online child exploitation. These undercover stings are designed to identify individuals allegedly seeking sexual contact with minors before an actual child is harmed.
