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Lars John Lafferty, 35, faces multiple felony charges after months-long investigation sparked by national tip

FAYETTEVILLE — A Fayetteville man is being held under a $500,000 secured bond following his arrest on 19 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, according to the Fayetteville Police Department.

Lars John Lafferty, 35, was taken into custody on November 11 after a brief standoff with authorities. The arrest concluded a six-month investigation that began on May 8 when the Fayetteville Police Department’s Cybercrimes Unit received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding a suspect downloading child sexual assault material through social media.

Detectives identified Lafferty as the suspect during their investigation, which revealed multiple instances of alleged exploitation. Third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor involves the possession of child pornography under North Carolina law.

The case highlights the ongoing collaboration between local law enforcement and national organizations combating online child exploitation. The Fayetteville Police Department’s Cybercrimes Unit specializes in investigating technology-facilitated crimes against children.

Authorities emphasize that all suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Lafferty remains incarcerated at the Cumberland County Detention Center awaiting trial.

The Fayetteville Police Department encourages community vigilance in reporting suspicious online activity involving minors. Concerns can be reported to local law enforcement or through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cybertip line at report.cybertip.org.

Victims of sexual assault or those with information about related cases are encouraged to contact the Fayetteville Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit at (910) 433-1851 or Crimestoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477). The Phoenix Center provides advocacy services and support for victims at (910) 485-7273.

Anyone with information regarding this case or similar activities should contact the Fayetteville Police Department’s Special Victim’s Unit at (910) 433-1851. Suspicious online activity involving minors can be anonymously reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at report.cybertip.org.