Rutherford County Woman Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

On August 14, 2025, Kristi Michele Toney entered a guilty plea in Rutherford County Superior Court to one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. The case originated from an investigation that began on March 7, 2025.

According to authorities, the Department of Homeland Security’s New York Field Office provided information to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, which worked alongside Homeland Security Investigations. The Rutherford County Criminal Investigations Division, a member of the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, carried out the investigation that led to the charges.

Toney was sentenced to serve a minimum of 36 months and a maximum of 104 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections. Officials said the sentence aligns with North Carolina’s Structured Sentencing Guidelines, as Toney was classified as a Level 1 offender.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to the Department of Homeland Security and the District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the case.