Monroe, NC – A major child exploitation investigation in Union County has led to two arrests and the seizure of more than 200,000 illegal images, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives with the Special Victims Unit and Criminal Investigations Bureau partnered with Homeland Security Investigations and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in a joint operation targeting a residence in Indian Trail.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators found multiple individuals living in the home, each renting individual rooms. Two residents — Joseph Ransey and Ramon Harris — were identified and questioned during the operation.
Authorities say Ransey, a registered sex offender, was allegedly not in compliance with registration requirements. Harris reportedly confessed to possessing and downloading child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and a forensic examination revealed more than 200,000 images of child exploitation.
Ransey was charged with registration violations and issued a $3,500 bond, which he has since met. Harris was charged with multiple counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and remains held at the Union County Detention Center on a $1,050,000 bond.
Officials confirm that additional evidence is still being processed as the investigation continues.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
