Granite Falls Pastor Arrested On Child Sexual- Exploitation Charges

A pastor from Caldwell County is facing child sexual exploitation charges.

Ashley James Crouse, 51 of Granite Falls is charged with four counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a child. He’s likely to face additional charges according to a news release.

On Friday, November 3rd, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, executed two search warrants at Crouse’s home in Granite Falls and at New Vision Baptist Church. The church says that Crouse is no longer the pastor.

Crouse is being held in the Caldwell County Detention Center under a $1 million secured bond.

Photo: Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office