Union County, North Carolina – A cyber tip led to the arrest of a Union County man after investigators linked child sexual abuse material to a local residence, prompting a multi-agency investigation.
According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a cyber tip from the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force regarding an unknown individual allegedly uploading child sexual abuse material to Snapchat. Investigators traced the upload to a residence in Indian Trail, North Carolina.
Last week, the Union County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, executed a search warrant at the residence and seized several electronic devices. While on scene, investigators developed probable cause to charge Brian Coronado Toledo with Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, authorities said.
Following his arrest, additional child sexual abuse material was allegedly found on Toledo’s device. Investigators then charged him with four counts of Third-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, according to the sheriff’s office.
Toledo appeared before a judicial official and was released on bond. Authorities stated that during court proceedings, Toledo indicated he intended to flee to his home country of Colombia if released. The investigation remains active, and officials say additional charges are expected.
Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey said the department’s Special Victims Unit continues to work closely with state partners to hold individuals accountable who target children, adding that there is no place in the county for predators.
Cases involving online exploitation often originate on platforms commonly used by students and young adults, underscoring the role cyber tips play in identifying alleged offenders.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
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