Harnett County sheriff’s deputies arrested two men accused of child sex crimes after an investigation involving online tips.
Joshua Lee Gilliam, 39, is charged with first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, first-degree statutory sexual offense and indecent liberties. He received no bond. He had his first court appearance on Thursday in Harnett County District Court.
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Ronald Wayne Lynch, 39, is charged with two counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He received a secured bond of $360,000. He had his first court appearance on Thursday in Harnett County District Court.
On March 9, the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office received multiple online tips through a database. The tips accused Gillam and Lynch of having child sexual abuse material.
Investigators conducted a search warrant at Gillam and Lynch’s home in Erwin. Authorities seized several electronic devices.
Additional charges are pending.
The investigation is ongoing.