Steven Lett, 57, of 307 Leak Ave. in Wadesboro was arrested Thursday morning when a search warrant was executed by the FBI at 6:15 a.m.
"It was a cyber-crime investigation," Schutz said.
She said federal law enforcement officers confiscated two computers and an external hard drive.
The search also revealed a stolen 9-mm handgun, she said. The handgun was stolen in 1993 in Union County.
Schutz said her department had issued a warrant to Union County for possession of stolen property.
She said the search was executed without resistance.
"No one else was arrested and there was no indication others at that residence would be arrested," she said.
The search was executed with the assistance of the WPD, the Anson County Sheriff's Office and the State Bureau of Investigation.
Local agents set up a perimeter but no local agents entered the premises, Schutz said, adding that there were 14 federal agents.
Schutz said there was "very nice cooperation on all levels."
A call to the FBI Field Office in Charlotte was not immediately returned.
Whether or not the officers were on their personal cell phone or a WPD cell phone they should not have been on them telling people on the other end where they were and what was happening. The Chief should have asked them to hang up and be professional.
I am concerned about exploited children. Irregardless of how they are exploited.
I agree, as I think everyone concerned would, if he is found guilty of the alleged crime then prison time should happen. However, if he is found not guilty of the alleged crime I, along with countless others, would welcome him back home no questions asked.
The last time I checked this is America where a person is innocent until proven guilty.
Also, are you aware of everything that goes on in your household 24/7? I think not.
Bottom line. If this were a member of your family would you have the same opinion? Would you like your physical address in the paper? Would you like Police Officers on cell phones telling people what was happening at your house? Would you sentence your family member to prison without knowing if they were guilty or not? I think the answer to these questions is a big "NO".
I think we all need to walk in the shoes of others before we pass judgement on them. The world would be a better place if we did.
So, ReneeW, I hope I have answered all of your questions. I hope you have a blessed life and nothing like this ever happens to a member of your family or a close friend.
As for knowing this person, I have known him personally for almost 40 years and a more honest or upstanding person you would not want to meet. If you were not so quick to rush to judgment of others you may have realized that this is an accusation made against him and not a formal charge. It may not have read that way in the paper but I suppose that was because our new Police Chief wanted so badly to be given credit for something that she was not even aware was going on until shortly before the search warrant was served that she made it look better on paper for her. Maybe the next time your family member is arrested the public will show them the same consideration that you have to shown to this man and his family and perhaps they can list your address in there also.
To "nc28170" do you know for a fact that these officers were on their personal cell phones? Some police departments use cell phones. What about those precious children that were exploited, why aren't you as concerned about them? I hope he goes to prison and everyone else that's involved with him!!! As far as innocent until proven guilty, too bad. Those children were innocent until some sick ______ took their innocence away.
I would also like to know if it common practice to list a persons home address in articles such as this? Would this not make other members of the household subject to possible harassment or something worse? If so, would the WPD Officers that might respond be able to stay off their personal cell phones long enough to provide legitimate assistance?