CHEROKEE COUNTY MAN ARRESTED ON FIVE COUNTS OF THIRD-DEGREE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A MINOR

Cherokee County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

MURPHY, N.C. — On June 30, 2026, detectives with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office arrested Michael Lloyd Johnson on five counts of Third-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

The arrest resulted from a thorough investigation initiated after allegations were made regarding Johnson’s consumption of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The investigation began promptly upon receipt of the report.

On May 7, 2026, a search warrant was executed at Johnson’s residence. Several electronic and digital devices were seized during the operation. Johnson was arrested on that date for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Detectives subsequently executed additional search warrants on the seized devices and Johnson’s Google Accounts. After spending countless hours conducting forensic analysis of the digital extractions, investigators located five images on Johnson’s Google account. These images depicted infant- to toddler-aged children in a manner that constitutes CSAM under North Carolina General Statutes.

Johnson has been charged with one count of Third-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor for each of the five images discovered. Additionally, more than 100 other images and videos have been submitted to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to assist with victim identification and further investigation of the material. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

“This arrest serves as an example that those who exploit or prey upon children will not be tolerated in our communities,” said Sheriff Chris Wood. “We will pursue every lead, use every available resource, and work relentlessly to bring predators to justice. Protecting our children is not just a priority; it is our mission. Our General Investigations Division deserves so much credit for the countless hours they put in on cases such as this one. Detective Mylie Sparks is an absolute hero in championing the search for justice for women and children who are the victims of sexual abuse. I could not be prouder of our office’s staff. ”

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community. Anyone with information about child sexual exploitation is urged to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at (828) 837-2589.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.