STATESVILLE, N.C. — Editor's Note: WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the charges the suspect faces and because the investigation is not yet over.
The Statesville Police Department says a man is facing a dozen charges after allegedly uploading digital material that displayed children being sexually exploited.
The department said Friday it had arrested 25-year-old Devin Gage Staley on Thursday, charging him with 12 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He remains in jail as of Friday evening according to online records.
Police said the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) sent them a substantial number of reports on Jan. 9 about someone uploading the material online. Investigators were able to get several search warrants for different social media accounts tied to Staley and found several uploads. The department said Staley is accused of uploading 33 files between December 8, 2022, and April 26, 2023.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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.