Marion Man Charged With Child Exploitation Offenses

A Marion man has been charged with three felony counts related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, according to McDowell County court records.

Rickey Lyn Messer, 59, of Marion, was arrested on October 29, 2025, by the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office. Court filings show Messer faces three counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, all felonies. 

The case, State of North Carolina v. Rickey Lyn Messer (25CR450115-580), was filed in McDowell District Court on October 28. Messer’s bond was set at $100,000 secured, and he is scheduled to make his first appearance on Friday, October 31, before Judge Michelle McEntire.

The investigation was conducted by Detective Aaron Vallini of the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office. The case remains pending, and Messer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.