A Roanoke Rapids man faces three counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor after receiving and downloading child pornography.
Chief Shane Guyant said the Criminal Investigations Division and members of the Halifax Regional Drug and Gang Task Force Monday executed a search warrant in the 300 block of Monroe Street following an investigation that a person living there — Jose Manuel Barrena Tejas, 21 — had been receiving and downloading child sex abuse material.
The investigation by Detective S. Bryant began in July when he received what Guyant described as credible and substantiated information that child pornography was being received and downloaded.
An initial search warrant for records was executed on a suspect social media account. This search warrant yielded numerous videos of children being sexually abused.
During the Monday search warrant investigators seized more than 10 electronic devices at the residence.
Tejas remains in the Halifax County Detention Center on a $25,000 secured bond and awaits a September 26 district court date.
The investigation is ongoing and more charges are anticipated, the chief said.
“A person will be charged with second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor if they receive (and/or) distribute child pornography. The evidence in this case suggests that Tejas received and downloaded child pornography,” Guyant said.
The chief said there is no evidence at this time that Tejas distributed material beyond his personal computer system. “That may change with the ongoing investigation. I must state that Tejas is not accused of producing or making any videos here in Roanoke Rapids. We want the public to feel some comfort in knowing that no evidence suggests that any local children were victims in this case.”
Said Guyant: “This is a despicable crime and if we felt that there was any threat to our children and to the safety of our city, we would be relentless in protecting our children. We are strongly convinced that no threats are present as part of Tejas’ actions.”
