Detectives with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Investigation Division, who are also members of the (NCICAC) North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, completed a months-long investigation that focused on John Thomas Trotter Jr.
In September of 2023, a search warrant was executed at Trotters residence, where electronic devices were seized. The devices were then sent to Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office inhouse Digital Forensic Investigator. On the devices, 52 images and 2 videos were located that were consistent with child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
In January 2024, this case was presented before a grand jury in Rutherford County and 55 indictments for Third Degree Exploitation of a Minor were returned.
On Saturday February 10th, 2024, John Thomas Trotter Jr., of Mooresboro, was arrested on 55 counts of third-degree exploitation of a minor. Trotter is being held in the Rutherford County Detention Facility on a 1.1 million dollar secured bond.
The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office works tirelessly and is dedicated to protecting our most important citizens, our children.
