Sherrills Ford Man Charged in Child Exploitation Investigation3-Word Title:

A child exploitation investigation conducted by the Catawba County Sheriff's Office has resulted in the arrest of a Sherrills Ford man on multiple felony charges.

According to the Sheriff's Office, the investigation was led by the Criminal Investigations Division and began after authorities in Ohio provided information regarding possible child exploitation activity.

As investigators worked the case, 30-year-old Dustin Lineberger of Sherrills Ford was identified as a suspect. He was taken into custody on June 12, 2026.

Lineberger has been charged with ten counts of First-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

He is currently being held in the Catawba County Detention Facility under a $250,000 secured bond. His next scheduled court appearance is set for July 9, 2026.

Catawba County Sheriff Don Brown emphasized the importance of protecting children from exploitation.

"Protecting children from those who seek to exploit them remains one of our highest priorities," Brown said in a statement.

The Catawba County Sheriff's Office encourages anyone with information regarding illegal internet activity to contact law enforcement through the agency's confidential tip line at 828-466-ATIP (2847), through its website, or by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.