News Summary
James David Courtney, a 91-year-old from Lexington County, has been charged with felony soliciting a child by computer during Operation Millstone. This multi-agency effort involved 78 officers and resulted in the arrest of eight individuals trying to solicit minors online. Courtney was given a $50,000 secured bond and remains in custody while further investigations continue. Law enforcement is enhancing efforts to tackle online child solicitation, emphasizing the need for parental vigilance to protect children from predators.
Mooresville, NC – A 91-year-old man from Lexington County, identified as James David Courtney, has been charged with felony soliciting a child by computer as part of a significant multi-agency undercover operation. The operation, referred to as Operation Millstone, took place in late April 2025 and led to the arrest of a total of eight individuals, all of whom were attempting to solicit minors online.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the operation included 78 officers from 21 different agencies located across North Carolina and South Carolina. The undercover sting aimed to combat the growing concern of online child solicitation, with officers posing as minors under the age of 18 to engage with suspects on platforms such as Sniffles, Kik, Craigslist, Skip the Games, and Wireclub.
James David Courtney, the oldest of those arrested, was given a $50,000 secured bond during his bond hearing and is currently in custody. Following his arrest, a local woman came forward alleging that Courtney had previously solicited her when she was a minor, claiming that he had been engaging in such behavior for years.
Among the other suspects arrested during Operation Millstone were Damon Jefferson, 25, from Salisbury, Judson Creech II, 36, from Mooresville, Jorge Armondo Martinez, 37, and Ismael Vazquez, both from Charlotte, and Eddie Rigdon, 72, from Leland, along with William Dane Tobey, 75, also from Salisbury. All except Rigdon were charged with felony soliciting a child by computer, with bonds ranging from $2,500 to $250,000.
Police Chief Ron Campurciani reported that one suspect had been spotted at a minor league baseball game, allegedly preparing to meet a supposed teen but was actually communicating via phone at the time. This incident highlights the complexities and dangers of such solicitation activities.
The Mooresville Police Department is committed to eradicating online child solicitation and plans to initiate further operations in the near future to tackle this critical issue. The department urges parents to actively monitor their children’s online activities to protect them against potential predators.
This operation follows a previous initiative, known as Operation Artemis, which took place in May 2024 and resulted in 15 arrests related to similar offenses. These operations reflect the increased efforts by law enforcement to safeguard minors from online exploitation.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children advocates for heightened vigilance concerning children’s safety online. They provide resources, including a cyber tipline, for reporting concerns related to child sexual abuse and online enticement, underscoring the importance of community involvement in protecting children.
As the landscape of online interaction continues to evolve, law enforcement agencies are increasingly alerted to the dangers posed by individuals attempting to exploit minors. The coordination among various departments during operations like Millstone is crucial for disrupting these activities and ensuring the safety of the youth.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer
- Wikipedia: Child Sexual Abuse
- Iredell Free News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Online Safety
- WJBF News
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