Rowan County Man Convicted in Undercover Child Solicitation Case

A Rowan County jury has convicted a man in connection to an undercover operation targeting individuals attempting to exploit children online.

On March 26, 2026, 43-year-old Eric Lukjanczuk was found guilty of felony solicitation of a child by computer. The conviction stems from a December 2024 undercover chat operation conducted by the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, which led to charges against five men.

Investigators say Lukjanczuk believed he was communicating with a 14-year-old girl when he solicited her for sex. In reality, he was speaking with an undercover detective.

He was sentenced to 5 to 15 months in prison. Upon release, Lukjanczuk will be required to register as a sex offender for 30 years.

Authorities say two other men charged in the same operation have already pleaded guilty. Edgar Jack Malcom, of Newberry, South Carolina, entered a guilty plea in September 2025 and received a suspended sentence. Lewis Scott Babbidge, 57, of Matthews, pleaded guilty on March 9, 2026, and was also given a suspended sentence. Both men are required to register as sex offenders.

Officials with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office say the case highlights their continued efforts to protect children and hold offenders accountable.

“This case is a clear example of our ongoing commitment to protecting children in our community,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “Individuals who use the internet to target minors will be identified, investigated, and held accountable.”

Authorities say investigations like this will continue as part of proactive efforts to prevent crimes against children.