CORNELIUS, N.C. — An 18-year-old is facing multiple charges in connection with the sexual exploitation of a minor, according to the Cornelius Police Department.
Police said they received reports that Brett Gerald Kimbrell was in possession of child pornography.
Detectives then contacted the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force to initiate an investigation.
On Friday, a search warrant was executed at Kimbrell’s residence, and electronic devices were seized for further forensic analysis.
Kimbrell was then charged with ten counts of felony second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
According to the Cornelius Police Department, a Mecklenburg County magistrate ordered Kimbrell to be released into the custody of his parents instead of receiving a bond.
The department released a statement regarding that decision, saying:
“Given the serious nature of these charges, which involve the safety and well-being of children, we find this decision troubling and concerning. 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.
The Cornelius Police Department strongly believes that individuals charged with such serious offenses should be held in custody, pending further legal proceedings, to ensure a definitive message that crimes involving the exploitation and violence against children will not be taken lightly.”
The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773.
VIDEO: Deputies searching for man wanted for sex crimes against a child
©2025 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
