Rutherford County Woman Sentenced in Sexual Exploitation Case

On August 21, 2025, Destiny Nicole Gilliland was found guilty on one count of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

The conviction followed an investigation that began on April 23, 2024. After an extensive inquiry, warrants were obtained for Gilliland and a co-defendant.

Gilliland was sentenced under North Carolina’s Structured Sentencing guidelines. As a Level I offender with no prior criminal history, she received a sentence of 60 months minimum to 132 months maximum in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections. Upon release, she will also serve 60 months of supervised probation.

In addition to her prison sentence and probation, Gilliland is required to register as a sex offender for 30 years.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office expressed appreciation to the District Attorney’s Office for its work and partnership throughout the investigation and prosecution.