MOUNT AIRY, NC (LOOTPRESS) – A North Carolina man faces 65 counts of child exploitation charges.
The Surry County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Mark William Combs, 37, of 131 Noel Lane, Mount Airy, North Carolina, on sixty-five counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, five counts of a statutory sex offense, five counts of indecent liberties with a minor, five counts of crime against nature, one count of first-degree kidnapping, one count of statutory rape of a child under the age of fifteen, and one count of incest with a child.
Mr. Combs’ arrest directly resulted from a month-long investigation conducted by the Surry County Sheriff’s Office stemming from a cyber-tip received by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office Wisconsin. In the early morning hours on November 4, 2021, the Surry County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at 131 Noel Lane, Mount Airy, North Carolina.
Detectives with the Surry County Sheriff’s Office interviewed Mr. Combs and secured his electronic devices. This investigation is ongoing, and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office indicated that additional charges could be obtained in the near future. Sheriff Steve C. Hiatt mentioned, “these types of investigations are extremely emotional, time consuming, and lengthy. Law enforcement agencies working together with open communication completely remove jurisdictional lines for offenders to hide behind! “Thank You” to everyone involved to help bring this investigation closer to the finish line.”
Mr. Combs was arrested and taken in front of a judicial official on November 4, 2021. Mr. Combs received a $3,900,000.00 secured bond, and his court date is set for November 17, 2021.