Federal marshals have arrested a 20-year-old man tied to an Alamance County child-exploitation investigation, hauling him in from Georgia as the multi-agency case keeps unfolding. Authorities say the suspect was taken into custody in Winder, Georgia, and transported to a detention center in Virginia, where he is being held without bond while he awaits extradition back to North Carolina. Investigators say the probe began in January, with criminal charges filed earlier this month, and note that the investigation remains active.
Task Force Identifies Suspect and Files Charges
According to a press release from the Randolph County Sheriff's Office, members of the Invictus Task Force identified 20-year-old Timonty Yang as a suspect in the case. On May 8, the Alamance County District Attorney’s Office authorized two felony charges: indecent liberties with a minor and dissemination to minors under age 16. As reported by WXII, U.S. Marshals took Yang into custody on May 29 in Winder, Georgia, then transported him to a detention facility in Virginia, where he remains without bond pending extradition to Alamance County.
What the Invictus Task Force Does
The Invictus Task Force is a joint effort of local sheriff's offices, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and federal partners that focuses on internet crimes against children, according to The Invictus Project. The multi-agency teams pool resources to investigate online exploitation, share digital forensics, and coordinate with federal authorities when suspects are located in other states.
Next Steps: Extradition and Prosecution
Officials told WXII that Yang will be extradited to Alamance County for an initial court appearance and prosecution, and that investigators are continuing to develop evidence in the case. Authorities have not released further details about any alleged victims or the alleged conduct, citing the ongoing investigation.
How to Reach Investigators
The Randolph County release asks anyone with information to contact Invictus Task Force representatives and also highlights the national hotline for child exploitation, 1-888-373-7888. Local prosecutors in the Alamance County District Attorney’s Office are expected to handle the case once Yang is returned to the Triad region.
