Rutherfordton Man Arrested on Child Exploitation and Drug Charges

Sheriff’s Office says 3,500 illegal images found; more charges expected

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a Hampton Road man was arrested after investigators linked him to thousands of images of child sexual abuse material and discovered an indoor marijuana grow operation.

In a press release on Sept. 15, the sheriff’s office said its Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received a cyber tip on Aug. 25 reporting “known” child exploitation material. Investigators traced the information to a residence in Rutherfordton.

Four days later, on Aug. 29, deputies executed a search warrant at the home, seizing multiple electronic devices. They also reported finding an indoor grow operation with about 4.4 pounds of marijuana and mason jars containing psilocybin mushrooms.

A forensic review of the devices uncovered more than 3,500 illegal images classified as Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), according to the sheriff’s office.

On Sept. 12, warrants were issued for Christopher Urban, who faces 20 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, along with drug manufacturing and felony possession charges. He was arrested the same day and is being held on a $420,000 secured bond.

“These cases are extremely complex and require significant investigative resources,” the sheriff’s office said in its release. “The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting children and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.”

The case remains under active investigation, and authorities said additional charges are possible.