Four North Carolina men are facing charges after an online sting operation that targeted child predators. The McDowell County and Cabarrus County Sheriff's Offices partnered in a three day undercover operation.
Four suspects were identified and arrested following the sting. They include 20 year old Justin Bryan Butler of Rowan County, 39 year old Terron Michaux of Lenoir, 50 year old Richard Thomas Culhane of Forest City, and 58 year old William Cody Beadle Jr. of Marion.
All four are charged with soliciting a child by computer. Culhane is also charged with a weapons violation. Authorities say the four intended to travel to meet what they thought were underage children to commit sexual acts.
Four other suspects from outside the area are also facing charges stemming from the sting.
Following the sting McDowell County Sheriff Ricky Buchanan said "let me be clear – If you’re engaging in inappropriate conversations with children online, you can expect to be meeting us soon. We will find you and you will be held accountable".