Sex Offender Fugitive Captured After Cross-Country Flight to Montana

A registered sex offender who authorities say fled North Carolina to avoid prosecution has been returned to Iredell County following a multi-state investigation that ended with her arrest near the Canadian border.

According to the Iredell County Sheriff's Office, on March 2, 2026, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Probation and Parole Office notified Detective Sanford that Katherine Stewart was not complying with sex offender registration requirements.

During the investigation, detectives determined that Stewart had fled the state in an effort to evade prosecution. Investigators also learned that Stewart, along with Michael Buckner and Robert Miller, abandoned an animal inside a residence on Brawley Road when they left the area. Iredell County Animal Services responded to the home and took custody of the animal to ensure its safety and well-being.

Authorities said Stewart, Buckner, and Miller traveled toward the Canadian border in an attempt to avoid law enforcement. Following an extensive investigation led by Detective Sanford, the trio was located and apprehended on May 1, 2026, in Valley County, Montana, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A 3-year-old child found with the group was safely taken into protective custody and is currently under the care of the Montana Department of Social Services while arrangements are made for the child's return to North Carolina.

Following their extradition back to North Carolina on June 9, Stewart was issued a $550,000 secured bond. Buckner received a $125,000 secured bond, while Miller was given a $500,000 secured bond.

"This case demonstrates the importance of proactive sex offender compliance enforcement," Sheriff Darren Campbell said. "Registered offenders are required to follow laws designed to protect our communities. When someone chooses to ignore those requirements and attempts to flee, our investigators will work tirelessly to locate them and hold them accountable. The Sex Offender Compliance Unit remains committed to protecting the citizens of Iredell County and ensuring offenders comply with the law."

The investigation remains an example of cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies in locating and apprehending fugitives who attempt to evade prosecution.