A Newton man, Coy L. Scott, was arrested on May 15, 2026, and is facing charges of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and a statutory sexual offense with a child, according to the sheriff's office. Investigators say the Criminal Investigations Division Special Victims Unit opened the case after a report was received on May 10, and the inquiry remains ongoing.
Arrest and charges
According to a release from the Catawba County Sheriff's Office on Facebook, Scott was arrested in Newton and booked on counts that include first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and a statutory sex offense with a child. The Criminal Investigations Division's Special Victims Unit launched the investigation on May 10 after receiving a report, and investigators say they are still developing the case.
"Crimes against children will not be tolerated in Catawba County; those who prey on minors will be pursued and held accountable," Sheriff Don Brown said in the release.
What the charges mean
Under state law, first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, which covers conduct such as producing or facilitating sexual material involving a child, is codified in the General Statutes, according to the North Carolina General Assembly. Most violations are Class C felonies, while certain specified conduct can carry Class D penalties.
The state's statutory sex offense provisions are set out in Article 7B of the General Statutes, as listed by the North Carolina General Assembly. Those laws include offenses that can be charged as Class B1 felonies, with mandatory minimum sentences in some cases depending on the victim's age and the alleged conduct.
How to report tips
The sheriff's office asked anyone with information to call the department's confidential tip line at 828-466-ATIP (828-466-2847) or contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 828-465-8340. More contact details are listed on the county's website. Catawba County Sheriff's Office contact information also includes the detention facility line and other public numbers.
Next steps
Scott is scheduled to make his first appearance in Catawba County District Court on May 18, 2026, the sheriff's office said. Investigators say the probe remains active as they gather evidence.
Officials did not release additional details about the allegations or bond information. Prosecutors will decide whether to file charges formally as the investigation continues.
