Roanoke Rapids Investigator Arrested Following FBI Child Exploitation Probe
ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC –A Roanoke Rapids police investigator is facing explosive federal child exploitation charges.
City officials confirmed Tuesday night that Investigator Isaac Nielsen has been arrested on federal charges tied to the possession and transmission of child sexual abuse material following a joint investigation by the FBI and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.
Roanoke Rapids Investigator Isaac Nielsen Arrested
City Attorney Geoffrey Davis confirmed Nielsen has been placed on unpaid administrative leave, adding that his employment status is expected to change once city personne≠l procedures run their course.
City Manager Kelly Traynham revealed that the police department was alerted by federal agents earlier this week after investigators developed evidence that Nielsen had allegedly violated federal law.
“Upon receiving this report, RRPD command staff took immediate steps to cooperate and assist in the apprehension of Investigator Nielsen without incident.”
While the criminal case moves forward, city officials say Nielsen is also facing a separate internal personnel investigation under North Carolina law. Because of that, no further details about his employment are being released at this time.
Nielsen’s professional background paints a far different picture. He previously relocated to Roanoke Rapids from Utah, is a Marine Corps veteran, and in 2023 was even tasked with launching a project with the American Legion to help officers identify residents potentially suffering from PTSD.
Just months ago, in July, Nielsen was publicly honored with a lifesaving commendation for helping rescue a man trapped during a house fire on Henry Street.
Now, that decorated past is not who investigators allege Nielsen is today.
