The investigation began after the U.S. Secret Service notified the Harnett County Sheriff's Office on November 29 about CyberTips related to child sexual abuse material traced to a home on Mamie Ferguson Drive in Lillington.
Following a review of 28 tips, deputies, assisted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), executed a search warrant at the residence on December 4.
During the search, authorities seized digital devices, including computers, storage media, and a cellphone.
A subsequent search of Christopher James Hawk's devices revealed child sexual abuse material, leading to his arrest on December 10.
Hawk faces 10 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a child and is currently held at the Harnett County Detention Center without bond.
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Harnett County officials confirmed that Hawk, a GIS Systems Administrator, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending further review. He has been an employee with the county since Dec. 8, 2014.
None of these alleged crimes happened at the office.
The investigation is ongoing, the sheriff's office says.
Hawk's bond was set at $300,000 during his court appearance on Thursday.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Harnett County TIP line: 910-893-0300 or the Detective Division at 910-893-0140.
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