Statesville Man Charged With Sexual Exploitation Of A Minor

40-year-old William Leon Allen of Statesville has been charged by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office on ten counts of felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Events leading to Allen’s arrest began on June 2 of this year when the Sheriff’s Office received a Cyber Tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children regarding the possible download and possession of child pornography by a person in Iredell County.

Detectives identified the suspect in as William Leon Allen. Search warrants were executed on various social media apps and websites. Evidence indicated that Allen utilized social media to send and receive photographs and videos of child pornography. Warrants for Allen’s arrest were issued.

On July 18, a search warrant was executed at Allen’s residence. Detectives seized evidence from the home, including electronic devices that could be used to store child sexual abuse material.

Allen was taken into custody and placed in the Iredell County Detention Center under a $100,000 secured bond. No court dates are currently listed.

The investigation is ongoing.

Photo: Iredell County Sheriff’s Office