Former Granite Falls pastor, Ashley James Crouse, 53, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Upon release, he will be under lifetime supervised release and must register as a sex offender.
The investigation into Crouse began in April 2023 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) alerted authorities to a Dropbox account uploading CSAM. Law enforcement traced the account to Crouse, who was serving as a pastor in Caldwell County at the time.
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On November 3, 2023, authorities executed a search warrant at Crouse’s residence and church office, seizing multiple devices, including a computer tower, an iPad, and two thumb drives. Forensic analysis revealed over 1,200 videos and 450 images of child sexual abuse material. Investigators also discovered a disturbing manual on child sexual abuse and evidence of anti-forensic software used to permanently delete files.
Crouse admitted to downloading and collecting CSAM for a period of five to six years, frequently using the church’s computer during work hours.
Authorities urge parents and guardians to remain vigilant about online safety and report any suspected exploitation to CyberTipline.org or local law enforcement.
