Mooresville, NC – A 67-year-old man from Mooresville is behind bars without bond following a disturbing investigation into the possession of child sexual abuse material. James Joel Letarte, a resident of Iredell County, was initially arrested, booked, and subsequently released — but was later re-arrested on additional charges and is now being held without bond.
The case stems from a probe initiated by local and state authorities after digital evidence allegedly linked Letarte to child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Investigators have not released specifics about the nature or volume of the content involved, but described it as part of an “active and ongoing” investigation into the exploitation of minors through digital media.
Initial Arrest and Release
Letarte was first taken into custody following the execution of a search warrant at his residence, during which electronic devices were seized for forensic analysis. Authorities say the initial findings were enough to warrant criminal charges related to the possession and possible distribution of child sexual abuse material.
He was booked into custody and then released pending further investigation, a standard procedure in some low-risk arrest cases involving nonviolent offenses, especially when the defendant has no known history of flight risk or criminal behavior. However, public outcry and the gravity of the charges prompted authorities to take a second, closer look at the scope of his alleged actions.
Second Arrest and No Bond
After a deeper forensic analysis of Letarte’s seized digital devices, investigators reportedly uncovered additional material and possible connections to more serious offenses, leading to his re-arrest. Officials have not disclosed whether the case involves victims identifiable from the recovered content or if there is evidence of attempted contact or trafficking.
Letarte was re-booked and is now being held without bond, a decision authorities say reflects the seriousness of the charges and potential risk to the community.
Law Enforcement and Community Response
The Mooresville Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) are jointly handling the case, working closely with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a national initiative aimed at stopping child exploitation online.
“This case underscores our commitment to protecting vulnerable children and holding individuals who exploit them accountable,” a spokesperson from the SBI said. “We continue to work with digital forensic specialists to identify all evidence and determine if further charges are warranted.”
Local law enforcement officials also emphasized that community members can play a key role in these cases by reporting suspicious online behavior, particularly involving adults engaging with minors in inappropriate ways through social media or other digital platforms.
Community Safety and Ongoing Investigation
While there is currently no public indication that Letarte had direct contact with children in the area, authorities are urging anyone who may have information or concerns related to this case to come forward.
The case has sparked concern and unease in the Mooresville community, where residents are calling for transparency and reassurances that safeguards are in place to prevent future exploitation.
Letarte’s name will likely be added to state and national sex offender registries should he be convicted. In the meantime, the investigation remains active, with more charges potentially forthcoming as authorities continue to comb through digital evidence.
Reporting Tips and Resources
Anyone with information related to this case or who suspects child exploitation can contact:
- Mooresville Police Department
Non-emergency: (704) 664-3311 - National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
- North Carolina SBI ICAC Task Force
Leave a Reply