Leland man charged with 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — A Leland man is facing 10 felony charges of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, according to arrest warrants issued in Brunswick County.

Joseph Jim Halbig, 24, was booked into custody Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 9:50 a.m., according to booking information.

Court documents show Halbig is charged with 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor under North Carolina General Statute 14-190.17.

According to the arrest warrants, investigators allege Halbig knowingly duplicated material depicting children engaged in sexual activity.

The charges involve multiple images and videos depicting minors, according to the warrants. The documents describe children of varying ages, including some younger than 10.

The alleged offenses are dated Aug. 14, 2026.

The warrants were issued Tuesday, Oct. 13, based on information provided by the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office.

The documents do not specify how the investigation began or whether additional charges are expected.