BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Editor's Note: This story discusses alleged sex crimes committed against children. While no acts are detailed, reader discretion is advised.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show this mugshot because of the severity of the charges.
The Burke County Sheriff's Office said they arrested a man on Friday who was accused of creating and distributing child pornography.
Deputies were joined by the FBI and the Burke County Child Advocacy Center in the investigation of 27-year-old Zebulon Robert Lingafelt in the Valdese community. As a result of the investigation, Lingafelt was arrested and charged with taking indecent liberties with a minor, first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult.
All three charges are felonies under North Carolina state law.
While Lingafelt was granted a $25,000 secured bond on the indecent liberties charge, he was not given a bond for the other two charges.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.