Whiteville man faces additional child sexual exploitation charges after forensic investigation

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — A Whiteville man is facing additional felony charges after investigators say a forensic examination of electronic devices uncovered evidence of child sexual abuse material.

According to the Whiteville Police Department, investigators executed a search warrant on April 1 at an apartment in the 100 block of Stanley Street as part of an investigation into the alleged purchase of child sexual abuse material.

Police said Michael Deshawn Smith-Green was initially charged with felony conspiracy to purchase child sexual abuse material.

During the search, investigators seized multiple electronic devices for forensic examination.

According to the department, the examination of those devices led investigators to obtain additional evidence related to the alleged possession and purchase of child sexual abuse material.

As a result, Smith-Green has now been charged with 20 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, police said.

Authorities said Smith-Green was transported to the Columbus County Law Enforcement Center, where he was ordered held without bond.

The investigation remains active, and the Whiteville Police Department said additional charges could be filed as it continues.