Gastonia, North Carolina, December 18, 2025
A 54-year-old man from Gastonia, Ausburn Jerry Bridges, faces 40 charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor. The allegations include 20 counts each of second-degree and third-degree exploitation. This arrest is part of a broader effort by law enforcement to combat child exploitation. Specialized units from local police and federal agencies are involved in the investigation, which underscores the need for vigilance against these serious crimes in North Carolina.
Gastonia, North Carolina
A Gastonia man is facing numerous serious charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor, following a recent investigation by local law enforcement. Authorities announced that Ausburn Jerry Bridges, 54, has been charged with a total of 40 counts, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat child exploitation in the region.
The charges against Bridges include 20 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and 20 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. These charges reflect different levels of involvement in the creation, distribution, or possession of illicit material involving minors. Second-degree exploitation in North Carolina typically involves duplicating or disseminating child pornography, while third-degree exploitation concerns the possession of such material.
Investigation Details and Law Enforcement Collaboration
The arrest of Bridges underscores the persistent work by law enforcement agencies dedicated to protecting children from online and offline exploitation. Investigations into these types of crimes are often extensive and require specialized units due to the digital nature of much of the evidence. The Gaston County Police Department has an Investigative and Support Services Division which includes a Criminal Investigations Unit responsible for offenses involving juveniles and processing evidence. The Gastonia Police Department also has an Internet Crimes Against Children unit that collaborates with federal agencies like the U.S. Marshals Service in child exploitation investigations.
These cases frequently originate from cyber tips provided by organizations such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which plays a crucial role in identifying and reporting potential instances of child exploitation to local authorities. Such tips often kickstart investigations that lead to arrests and charges.
Broader State and Nationwide Context
This arrest is part of a larger, persistent effort by law enforcement across North Carolina to address the serious issue of child exploitation. Just last week, in a separate but similar case, Joshua Adam Bullard, 29, of Morganton, was arrested in Burke County. Bullard faces charges of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and failure to register as a sex offender. That investigation was initiated by the York County Sheriff’s Office before being turned over to Burke County detectives, following a tip from NCMEC. Another recent arrest in Gaston County involved Michael Dwaine Heffner, 69, of Gastonia, who was charged in November 2025 with statutory sex offense and indecent liberties with a minor after an investigation by Gaston County Police.
In February 2024, a significant statewide initiative known as “Operation Winter Guardian” resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals across North Carolina, accused of soliciting, sexually exploiting, or abusing children. This operation involved 44 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together as part of the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (NCICAC), a nationally coordinated effort. NCICAC is led by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s Computer Crimes Unit and comprises over 250 agencies statewide.
Understanding Child Exploitation Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina law categorizes sexual exploitation of a minor into three degrees, each carrying significant penalties:
- First-degree sexual exploitation of a minor: This is the most severe, involving producing child pornography or facilitating its production. It is classified as a Class C felony. Conviction for a Class C felony can lead to a maximum sentence of up to 279 months (over 23 years) of imprisonment, especially for registerable sex offenses.
- Second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor: This involves duplicating or disseminating child pornography. It is a Class E felony. Penalties typically range from 15 to 31 months in jail.
- Third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor: This pertains to the possession of child pornography. It is a Class H felony. This offense can result in a prison sentence of four to eight months.
A critical aspect of these laws is that mistake of age is not a valid defense; if the material depicts a minor, the offender is held accountable regardless of whether they knew the victim’s age. Individuals convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor in North Carolina are also subject to mandatory registration as sex offenders, which has lasting impacts on their lives.
The Impact and Prevalence of Child Exploitation
Child exploitation is a severe issue with widespread consequences. Nationwide, approximately one in four girls and one in 20 boys will experience sexual abuse during childhood. In North Carolina alone, there were 116,566 children with investigated reports of possible abuse and neglect between July 2022 and June 2023. In 2022, 23,134 children were identified as victims of abuse or neglect in the state. Sexual abuse constituted about 20 percent of child maltreatment cases in North Carolina. These statistics underscore the ongoing need for vigilance, robust law enforcement efforts, and public awareness to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the charges against Ausburn Jerry Bridges?
Ausburn Jerry Bridges, 54, has been charged with 20 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and 20 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
What do “second-degree” and “third-degree” sexual exploitation of a minor mean in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor typically involves duplicating or disseminating child pornography, while third-degree sexual exploitation concerns the possession of child pornography.
What penalties do these charges carry in North Carolina?
Second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor is a Class E felony, with penalties typically ranging from 15 to 31 months in jail. Third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor is a Class H felony, which can result in a prison sentence of four to eight months.
Is mistake of age a defense in North Carolina child exploitation cases?
No, mistake of age is not a valid defense under North Carolina law for sexual exploitation of a minor charges. If the material depicts a minor, the offender is held accountable regardless of whether they knew the victim’s age.
What role do organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) play?
NCMEC often provides cyber tips that initiate investigations into child exploitation by local authorities.
What is the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (NCICAC)?
The NCICAC is a nationally coordinated effort of 61 regional task forces dedicated to investigating, prosecuting, and effectively responding to internet crimes against children. In North Carolina, it is led by the State Bureau of Investigation’s Computer Crimes Unit and includes over 250 agencies across the state.
Key Features of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in North Carolina
| Feature | Description | Legal Classification (State-level) | Typical Penalties (State-level) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor | Producing child pornography or facilitating its production. | Class C Felony | Up to 279 months imprisonment for registerable sex offenses. |
| Second-degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor | Duplicating or disseminating child pornography. | Class E Felony | 15 to 31 months in jail. |
| Third-degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor | Possession of child pornography. | Class H Felony | 4 to 8 months in prison. |
| Mistake of Age Defense | Not a valid defense if the material depicts a minor. | Strict Liability Crime (State-level) | Not applicable directly to penalty, but ensures conviction. |
| Sex Offender Registry | Mandatory registration upon conviction. | State-level Requirement | Long-term social and legal restrictions. |
| Key Investigative Agencies | Local police (e.g., Gaston County Police Department), NC State Bureau of Investigation, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces (Nationwide/State-level). | Collaborative Effort (Nationwide/State-level) | Not applicable directly to penalty, but crucial for enforcement. |
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