LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — A Lincoln County man has pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor after investigators said he took and shared photos and videos of children engaged in sex acts.
(Warning: Story contains graphic details or images)
Kristopher Kirtley, 51, of Stanley, North Carolina, was arrested by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office on July 29 following a multi-agency investigation into child pornography and solicitation of minors online. Kirtley was accused of sending and receiving photos of young girls being sexually abused. Detectives alleged Kirtley also took and attempted to take photos and videos of a child for sexual purposes in Lincoln County.
Kirtley was a former computer teacher and coach at South Point High School in Belmont, North Carolina.
On Tuesday, Kirtley was sentenced for both sexual exploitation charges separately. In the sentences handed down, he got two 25-to-90 months in prison suspended for 36 months of supervised probation with a 120-day split sentence in both judgements. The second split sentence was deferred until following a 6-month review. He received credit for 120 days he already spent in jail on the first case. Should his probation be revoked, the sentences would be served consecutively. He was also ordered by the judge to have no contact with minors, and he must be registered as a sex offender for 30 years.
Kirtley was originally charged with indecent liberties with a child and second-degree sexual exploitation and was held in the Lincoln County jail under a $500,000 bond.
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.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspect in this case due to the nature of his charges and his public-facing role as a former teacher.