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An Elizabethton man previously arrested in a child pornography investigation now faces federal charges related to child exploitation. Brandon Lee Napier, 30, of 149 Lover’s Lane, was indicted on federal charges after an investigation by the Carter County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the FBI.

Napier was first arrested in October 2024 on a warrant charging him with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. The investigation began when CCSO Investigator Preston White received two cyber tips from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children regarding child sex abuse material uploaded to a social media platform. The platform reported that 28 videos and 16 photos depicting prepubescent female children engaged in sexual acts had been uploaded.

Investigators tracked the IP address used to upload the content and identified Napier as the suspect. Following his arrest, investigators executed search warrants on electronic devices seized from Napier, uncovering thousands of additional child sexual abuse images and videos. The evidence was presented to federal agents, leading to Napier’s indictment.

Napier appeared in U.S. District Court on Tuesday, where he was arraigned on charges of knowingly receiving or distributing child pornography, knowingly possessing child pornography, and enticement of a minor.

“I am proud of the work of my investigators and their diligence in not only their initial investigation of the tip received that led to Napier’s arrest, but also their subsequent investigation that led to the discovery of a large collection of child pornography,” Sheriff Mike Fraley said. “By working together with our colleagues at the FBI, we have been able to secure federal charges that will hold Napier accountable for his actions. The Carter County Sheriff’s Office will continue to aggressively pursue those who commit crimes against children and will work with our law enforcement partners on the local, state, and federal levels to secure criminal charges against them.”

Napier remains held at the Carter County Detention Center under a $150,000 bond on his original charges, which have been bound over to the Carter County Grand Jury.