A man from Macon County is currently in custody in Jackson County facing four felony charges related to sexual abuse involving a teenager.
Ian Michael Henry, aged 44 and a resident of Franklin, has been arrested on two counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, as well as one count each of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and indecent liberties with a child.
The warrant for Henry’s arrest was issued on Nov. 13, relating to alleged incidents that occurred in December 2020.
According to the warrant, Henry is accused of taking indecent liberties to satisfy his sexual desires. Additionally, he allegedly coerced a 14-year-old girl into engaging in sexual activity and recording herself masturbating for the purpose of creating explicit material. The warrant specifies that Henry was aware of the explicit content being recorded.
Henry faces charges related to the possession of materials depicting sexual acts involving the child. One charge pertains to images showing her exposed breasts, while the other involves images depicting her “fully nude genitals.”
It remains unclear from the warrant whether Henry was present in Jackson County during the offenses or if the victim is a resident of the local area.
Henry was apprehended on Nov. 16.
In North Carolina, first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor is categorized as a Class C felony, carrying a potential prison sentence ranging from 51 to 64 months for a first offense, with a maximum of 200 months depending on prior criminal history if convicted.
Indecent liberties with a child is classified as a Class F felony and carries a possible prison term of 10 to 59 months if convicted, contingent upon the defendant’s criminal record.
Third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor is considered a Class H felony, punishable by a sentence ranging from five to 20 months if convicted.
Presently, Henry remains detained at the Jackson County Detention Center under a secured bond of $100,000.
