A multi-agency operation targeting individuals seeking to solicit children online and meet them in McDowell County for sex, led to multiple arrests and charges last week.
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), executed a three-day undercover sting operation utilizing agents from both divisions who specialize in online crimes against children.
The initiative was supervised by MCSO Special Operations Division Capt. Chris Taylor, and CCSO Field Operations Capt. Chris Smith. MCSO Detective Michael Vaughn, whose primary focus is on Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), led the effort which resulted in the following individuals being arrested in McDowell County and charged:
- 20-year-old Justin Bryan Butler of China Grove – Felony Solicitation of a Child by Computer/Appear (Bond: $200,000 secured)
- 50-year-old Richard Thomas Culhane of Forest City — Felony Solicitation of a Child by Computer/Appear and Misdemeanor Carrying a Concealed Gun (Bond: $150,000 secured)
- 58-year-old William Cody Beadle, Jr., of Marion — Felony Solicitation of a Child by Computer (Bond: $50,000 secured)
- 39-year-old Terron Juandre Michaux of Lenoir — Felony Solicitation of a Child by Computer/Appear (Bond: $150,000 secured)
Additionally, four suspects from various counties and even out of state are facing charges, with warrants currently pending.
The McDowell County charges stem from individuals both within and outside the county who intended to travel to this area in hopes of meeting with an underage juvenile to commit sexual acts.
Sheriff Ricky T. Buchanan praised the work of the investigators involved and emphasized the seriousness of the offenses.
“I want to commend our detectives and the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office for their sophisticated work demonstrated throughout this operation,” said Sheriff Buchanan. “I also want to personally thank Sheriff Van Shaw with Cabarrus County who is not only a great partner to me but has also been an incredible resource to our team.”
Sheriff Buchanan also stated that the undercover operation was an intense, around-the-clock initiative designed to protect children before they ever become victims.
In one arrest alone, he added, investigators located a firearm concealed on the suspect’s person that he had brought with him to what he believed would be an encounter with a child.
“While we have no way of knowing what his ultimate intentions were, we do know what was going on in his mind based on the extremely inappropriate conversations this monster, who is a grown adult, was having with what he thought was an underage female. Thank God our detectives intervened before anyone was harmed. And let me be clear - If you’re engaging in inappropriate conversations with children online, you can expect to be meeting us soon. These types of operations will continue in McDowell County. We will find you and you will be held accountable.”
Chief Deputy Nathan Mace recognized the investigators and partner agency for their collaborative work.
“Operations like this require a tremendous amount of coordination, patience, and expertise,” said Chief Deputy Mace. “These agents work throughout the year building cases against these monsters. I am extremely proud of our detectives for the long hours and commitment they put into protecting our community and holding these offenders accountable.”
Chief Mace also stated both he and Sheriff Buchanan would like to thank District Attorney Ted Bell and his staff at the D.A.’s office who will be working alongside MCSO detectives in the prosecution of these cases.
In the coming weeks, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office will be sharing more information with the community focused on the dangers of online exploitation, trends investigators are seeing, and practical guidance for parents and guardians to help keep children safe while using digital platforms and social media. We will also be expanding our app to include these important warnings and tips, which is available for FREE download at both the Apple and Google Play stores.
