Multi-agency child sex sting leads to 14 arrests, including Castle Hayne man

LEE COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Castle Hayne man is among 14 people arrested in a multi-agency operation targeting the exploitation and solicitation of children in Lee County and surrounding areas, authorities announced.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said the July operation was conducted in coordination with the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Invictus Task Force and numerous local, state and federal agencies.

Authorities said the operation resulted in 14 arrests and 68 charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors and solicitation of children by computer for sex acts.

One of those arrested was Bradley Kevin Lowe, 41, of Castle Hayne.

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Lowe was arrested July 17 and charged with two counts of solicitation of a child by computer to commit sex acts.

The other arrests included people from Sanford, Broadway, Albemarle, La Grange, Las Vegas and other North Carolina communities.

Charges against the 14 suspects ranged from second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor to solicitation of a child by computer, statutory sex offenses, indecent liberties with a minor and disseminating harmful material to a minor.

Authorities said one suspect, Francis Osgood Yan, 55, of Las Vegas, was arrested in Nevada and faces multiple charges in connection with the investigation, including solicitation of a minor by computer, attempted statutory rape of a child under 15, indecent liberties with a minor and attempted statutory sex offense with a child under 15.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said additional charges against Yan were filed by Las Vegas police.

Sheriff Brian Estes said protecting children from sexual predators remains a top priority.

“These arrests reflect the ongoing commitment of our office, and our local, state, and federal partners to identify and remove those who target the most vulnerable members of our community,” Estes said.

The operation involved agencies including the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and several other law enforcement agencies.

Authorities emphasized that all of the arrested individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.