FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Statesville man faces multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a child following an investigation by the Statesville Police Department.

The SPD announced the arrest of Michael Todd Everidge, 62, of Royalty Circle, Statesville, in a news release.

SPD officers, in partnership with the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, executed a search warrant at Everidge’s home on Monday, according to the news release.

After Everidge was interviewed by investigators on Tuesday, he was arrested and charged with six counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a child. He was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was being held Thursday in lieu of a $210,000 bond.

The SPD began an investigation in June after receiving a report related to the possession of child sexual exploitation material from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Additional reports were received through October.

These reports led investigators to identify Everidge as the primary suspect, police said.

“The Statesville Police Department and the SBI remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding children and ensuring that individuals who exploit them are brought to justice. This case highlights the power of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the critical role organizations like NCMEC play in combating child exploitation.”

Anyone with information about this case or other crimes involving child exploitation is encouraged to contact the Statesville Police Department or NCMEC.