Gay couple arrested on child sex abuse allegations — and they have 5 young sons
A North Carolina gay couple was arrested after police got a tip about possible child sex abuse material possession, according to the Harnett County Sheriff's Office.
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Investigators said numerous tips from the Internet Crimes Against Children database in March led them to believe the two men were in possession of child sexual abuse material.
The arrest warrants indicate there are at least two victims from September.
Police performed a search warrant at the Linda Baucom Lane home of the couple identified as 39-year-old Joshua Lee Gilliam and 39-year-old Ronald Wayne Lynch Jr. and seized numerous digital devices.
Both Gilliam and Lynch were charged with first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor based on what was found on those devices.
Lynch faces an additional charge of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, while Gilliam faces additional charges of first-degree statutory sexual offense and indecent liberties with a minor.
The arrest warrants indicate there are at least two victims from September.
The couple first appeared at the Harnett County District Court on Thursday. Gilliam was given no bond, while Lynch was given a $360,000 secured bond.
The sheriff's office said the investigation was ongoing and the two may face additional charges.
Online sleuths immediately found social media accounts that appeared to belong to Gilliam. An Instagram profile said the gay couple had custody of five children, all young boys, although a report from the North Carolina Beat said they have four sons together.
It is not known whether their boys are also victims.
One post on the account from March 7, 2021, reads, "Anyone wanna trade pictures with us message us."
WTVD-TV reported that Gilliam worked as a a phlebotomist at Cape Fear Primary Care in Erwin.
"The Harnett County Sheriff's Office continues to work closely with the NCSBI and partner agencies to investigate crimes involving the exploitation of children and to ensure the safety and protection of victims and citizens of Harnett County."
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