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FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Mooresville man faces more than two dozens charges in connection with the possession and distribution of child pornography following an investigation by the Mooresville Police Department.

The MPD announced the arrest of Janson Robert Pope, 28, in a news release Thursday afternoon. 

Investigators assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force began an investigation after the MPD received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children concerning an individual in Mooresville possibly being involved with child pornography.

On Thursday, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant for the suspect’s apartment at 550 E. Statesville Avenue. During the search, detectives seized evidence that linked the suspect to possession and distribution of child pornography, according to the news release.

Pope was charged with 13 counts of felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and 13 counts of felony third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He was arrested and placed in the Iredell County Detention Center under a $360,000 secured bond.

The MPD expressed its appreciation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation for their assistance in this case.

The investigation is ongoing.