– Lenoir Resident Arrested In Multi-Agency Investigation
– Multi-Agency Investigation in Lenoir Results in 16 Arrests.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Caldwell County Man Arrested in Multi-Agency Operation Targeting Alleged Sex Offenses Against Children

A resident of Caldwell County, Larry Ray Haskins, aged 34, has been apprehended as part of a large-scale operation aimed at combating sex offenses against children. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation recently identified Haskins, who resides on Harper Avenue in Lenoir, as a suspect involved in these heinous crimes.

Joint Effort to Combat Child Exploitation

In a collaborative effort, law enforcement agencies from across the state came together to address the issue of child exploitation. On Friday, February 9, a joint press conference was held to announce the arrest of 16 individuals who have been accused of solicitation, sexual exploitation, or abuse of children. This operation, known as Operation Winter Guardian, involved the participation of 44 local, state, and federal agencies, all working under the umbrella of the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (NCICAC).

North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

The NCICAC Task Force is a nationally coordinated initiative, comprising 61 regional task forces, aimed at investigating, prosecuting, and effectively responding to internet crimes against children. Leading the charge in North Carolina, the NC State Bureau of Investigation’s Computer Crimes Unit oversees the NCICAC Task Force, which includes more than 250 agencies operating statewide.

Operation Winter Guardian: Two-Part Initiative

Operation Winter Guardian, conducted by the NCICAC, took place over two phases in January, primarily during the week of January 8th to 12th. The first phase involved undercover law enforcement investigators engaging with individuals online, who were seeking to meet minors for sexual activity. A number of these individuals subsequently traveled to a location in Gaston County, under the impression that they would be meeting a child to engage in sexual acts.

The second phase of the operation saw investigators executing search warrants at various locations throughout the state. These locations were identified as distribution points for the sharing of child sexual exploitation images.

Protection of Vulnerable Victims

Thanks to the diligent efforts of law enforcement agencies involved in Operation Winter Guardian, at least five children have been identified and safeguarded from ongoing sexual abuse. The operation benefitted from the support of multiple agencies, including the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, US Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.

Arrest and Charges

Larry Ray Haskins’ arrest was previously reported by WHKY in January. Haskins now faces charges of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office was responsible for making the arrest, and Haskins is currently being held in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a bond of $10,000. As of today, no upcoming court dates for Haskins in Caldwell County have been listed.

[Information courtesy of news release from N.C. State Bureau of Investigation]

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1. Lenoir resident arrested in multi-agency investigation
2. Multi-agency investigation leads to arrest of Lenoir resident.