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Hickory firefighter charged with sexual exploitation of minor

Nate Eli Kurzak is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, according to charging documents.

HICKORY, N.C. — A Hickory firefighter is facing a slew of charges for the alleged sexual exploitation of a minor, records obtained by WCNC Charlotte show. 

Nate Eli Kurzak, 20, was arrested on Oct. 3 and charged with 10 counts each of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He was given a total bond of $375,000 for the charges. 

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Kurzak is accused of possessing child sex abuse material, according to charging documents. Records show that Kurzak is a firefighter with the city of Hickory. 

Credit: Hickory Police Department
Nate Eli Kurzak

WCNC Charlotte reached out to the Hickory Fire Department for more information about Kurzak's employment status. The department confirmed Kurzak was hired as a firefighter on July 29, 2022. He was placed on administrative leave on Oct. 4, 2023, before being terminated a week later.

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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 showing the mugshot of the suspect in this case due to his position as a city firefighter and the nature of the charges.

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