LINCOLN COUNTY, N.C. — A Lincoln County man is facing charges after investigators allege 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, 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 is accused of sending and receiving photos of young girls being sexually abused. Detectives allege that Kirtley also took and attempted to take photos and videos of a child for sexual purposes.
Kirtley was charged with indecent liberties with a child and second-degree sexual exploitation. He's being held in the Lincoln County jail under a $500,000 bond. Additional charges are likely as the investigation is still open, detectives said.
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.