Graham, NC – A major child exploitation crackdown spanning four North Carolina counties has led to 23 arrests, according to a Thursday update from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI). Officials announced the results during a press conference at the Alamance County Sheriff’s Office in Graham, calling the coordinated effort “a significant victory” in protecting at-risk children across the region.
According to the SBI, the two-week enforcement effort—known as The Invictus Project—focused on uncovering child exploitation, abuse, and online predatory activity in Alamance, Randolph, Davidson, and Forsyth counties. The operation ran from October 13 through October 24, bringing together local deputies, state agents, Homeland Security personnel, and federal investigators.
Officials said the operation not only resulted in arrests but also rescued four children from ongoing abuse. In addition, 67 legal processes were executed, including search warrants, digital evidence seizures, and protective-service actions.
According to law enforcement, suspects allegedly involved in child exploitation were identified through undercover operations, digital tracking, and community-based intelligence. Agencies emphasized that many of the investigations began with online conversations that escalated into attempted in-person meetings—patterns authorities say are increasing statewide.
“Deputies, officers, and agents have been working around the clock to remove these predators from our neighborhoods,” the SBI said during Thursday’s event.
The Invictus Project is an ongoing statewide partnership between the SBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and sheriff’s offices across North Carolina. Officials said more arrests and charges may follow as evidence continues to be processed.
Agencies involved included: the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, Alamance County Sheriff’s Office, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI–Charlotte Division, the North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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