A child exploitation probe led to the arrest of two North Carolina men now facing multiple felony charges tied to alleged child sexual abuse material
Henderson County, NC — A child exploitation investigation has resulted in the arrests of two Henderson County men who are now facing multiple felony charges involving the alleged possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
The Henderson County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, working with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, announced the arrests Tuesday following separate investigations.
Authorities identified one of the suspects as Shane Wesley Penley, 66.
According to investigators, Penley was charged with three counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
The second suspect, Timothy Don Arnold, 61, was charged with six counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and six counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
Both men were arrested without incident and are being held at the Henderson County Detention Center.
Under North Carolina law, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor includes the alleged distribution, transportation, receipt, exchange, purchase or solicitation of material depicting minors engaged in sexual activity.
Third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor involves the alleged possession of such material.
Investigators said the arrests stem from ongoing investigations and declined to release additional details.
The Henderson County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is made up of investigators from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and Hendersonville Police Department.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information regarding either defendant to contact law enforcement or submit a tip through the sheriff’s office mobile application.
The investigation remains active.
As with all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Two Henderson County men were arrested in separate child exploitation investigations.
- The suspects face multiple felony charges involving alleged child sexual abuse material.
- Investigators say the cases remain active and are seeking additional information.