News Summary
A 43-year-old man, Sherald Kenneth Ward Jr., has been arrested in Kill Devil Hills for multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor following an investigation by local police and the FBI. The investigation, which lasted several months, resulted in the execution of a federal search warrant at Ward Jr.’s residence. He faces ten counts of second-degree sexual exploitation and additional extraditable charges from Minnesota. Authorities are continuing their investigation and may bring further charges as new information surfaces.
KILL DEVIL HILLS, NORTH CAROLINA – A local man has been arrested for multiple counts of sexual exploitation of a minor following a detailed investigation conducted by the Kill Devil Hills Police Department (KDHPD) in collaboration with the FBI. The investigation culminated in the execution of a federal search warrant at his residence on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
The suspect, identified as Sherald Kenneth Ward Jr., 43, has been charged with 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Authorities secured a search warrant for the 400 block of W Eden Street after developing probable cause during several months of investigative work. Following the execution of the search warrant, investigators were able to apprehend Ward Jr. based on the evidence collected.
In addition to the local charges, Ward Jr. also faces extraditable charges originating from Minnesota, for which a fugitive warrant was served. He is currently detained at the Dare County Detention Center, with a secured bond set at $900,000. The KDHPD has announced that the investigation is ongoing and indicated that additional charges against Ward Jr. may occur as more information is gathered.
The police department has acknowledged the critical assistance provided by multiple agencies during this investigation. Collaborating with the KDHPD were the FBI, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, the Boone Police Department, and the Manteo Police Department.
Investigation Details
The investigation into the allegations of sexual exploitation of a minor began several months prior to the arrest. Investigators worked diligently to gather evidence and build a case against Ward Jr., leading to the issuance of the search warrant. The execution of this warrant on July 12 proved crucial in securing the necessary documentation and information that corroborated the allegations.
Charges Explained
Ward Jr. faces serious accusations under North Carolina law, specifically related to the exploitation of minors. Second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor typically involves the use of a minor in sexually explicit conduct or the distribution of material depicting a minor in such a situation. Each of the ten counts reflects distinct instances of alleged exploitation, highlighting the significance of the case in both local and broader contexts.
Legal Context
Sexual exploitation of minors is treated with utmost seriousness under both state and federal laws, and the investigation into Ward Jr. not only seeks justice for the alleged victims but also aims to deter similar future offenses. Should additional information come to light or more victims be identified, further charges may be added as law enforcement aims to thoroughly address all aspects of the case.
The community of Kill Devil Hills is currently grappling with the implications of these allegations, as they signify a larger issue surrounding child safety and protection against exploitation. The KDHPD will continue to work in partnership with various agencies to ensure a comprehensive investigation and uphold the safety and well-being of the local community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Professor Arrested on Child Pornography Charges in North Carolina
Additional Resources
- WCTI 12 News
- 13 News Now
- The Coastland Times
- Wavy News
- WITN
- Wikipedia: Sexual exploitation
- Google Search: sexual exploitation of minors
- Google Scholar: child exploitation laws
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child abuse
- Google News: Kill Devil Hills FBI investigation
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
