CORNELIUS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — An 18-year-old man has been released to his parents instead of being given a bond after being charged with crimes related to child sexual abuse material, according to the Cornelius Police Department.
On Friday, Jan. 10, detectives search the home of Brett Gerald Kimbrell after receiving a tip about someone possibly having child pornography. Electronic devices were seized as part of the search.
Kimbrell is now charged with 10 counts of Felony Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. The Mecklenburg County Magistrate’s Office ordered that Kimbrell be released to the custody of his parents instead of being given a bond.
According to arrest warrants, the majority of the children being abused in these illegal images were elementary school-age.
“Given the serious nature of these charges, which involve the safety and well-being of children, we find this decision troubling and concerning,” wrote Cornelius Police. “The release of this defendant, especially under such circumstances, undermines the gravity of the situation and raises significant concerns about the risk to public safety, particularly the safety of minors in the community.”
Police went on to say they strongly believe Kimbrell should still be behind bars to send a message to other offenders.
Cornelius Police detectives with the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Computer Crimes Unit both worked on this case.
If you have information on the exploitation or abuse of minors, please come forward. Cornelius Police can be reached at 704-892-7773. You can also submit an anonymous tip through North Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers at 704-896-7867 or at northmeckcrimestoppers.org.