GASTON COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A 24-year-old North Carolina man has been charged with nearly 60 counts of child sexual assault related offenses, according to the Gaston County Police Department.
On Wednesday, March 4, officers with several local law enforcement agencies used a search warrant at an apartment complex in Gaston County. During the operation, Jose Isaias Martel-Arriaga was found and charged with outstanding warrants from Chatham County, officials said.
Those charges are:
- 40 Counts – First Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
- 9 Counts – Indecent Liberties with a Minor
- 4 Counts – Solicitation of a Child by Computer
- 3 Counts – Solicitation of a Child for Prostitution
- 3 Counts – Extortion
According to court documents, Martel-Arriaga obtained several videos and pictures of a 14-year-old girl engaged in sexual acts. He allegedly threatened the victim by saying that if she didn’t do what he requested, he would “send everything to your parents and go to your school.”
Gaston County PD said Martel-Arriaga has been entered as a wanted person by ICE for failure to appear for removal proceedings. He was placed in the Gaston County Jail without bond.
“The Gaston County Police Department remains committed to protecting our community’s most vulnerable and will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure those accused of crimes against children are brought to justice,” GCPD said.
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