Smithfield man accused of distributing videos of sexual abuse involving boys no older than 14

Smithfield police arrested a man Tuesday after a cyber tip and search warrant accused him of distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. 

2026-04-22

Officers executed a search warrant at 30-year-old Marcus Orion Sanchez's home on Laurel Drive in Smithfield after a cyber tip indicated he was uploading CSAM online. Officers allegedly seized multiple electronic devices. 

The arrest warrant states that, through the online-messaging app Discord, Sanchez knowingly distributed videos of sexual abuse involving boys between the ages of nine and 14. 

Sanchez was charged with three counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Smithfield police said additional charges may be forthcoming pending further evidence analysis. 

This case remains an active investigation. 

Sanchez appeared in Johnston County court Wednesday at 2 p.m. and, as of Wednesday, was held on no bond.