Davidson County, NC – A 22-year-old Thomasville man was arrested Tuesday after authorities linked him to an alleged child exploitation case reported earlier this month.
According to the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, the Invictus Task Force and Morganton Police Department executed a search warrant on September 16, 2025, in Davidson County. During the investigation, Michael Lee Lester was identified as a suspect and taken into custody.
Lester was charged with two counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, investigators said. He was transported to the Davidson County Detention Center, where a magistrate issued a $5,000 secure bond. A first court appearance is scheduled for October 6, 2025, in Davidson County District Court.
The Invictus Task Force is a multi-county partnership involving law enforcement in Randolph, Alamance, Davidson, and Forsyth counties, along with the State Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security. The unit focuses on combating internet crimes against children, trafficking, and related exploitation cases.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Invictus Task Force.
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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