HICKORY, N.C. — WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the alleged crime.

The Catawba County Sheriff's Office said investigators arrested a man in Hickory who is accused of exploiting children online.

On Tuesday, deputies said they received a cyber tip about 59-year-old Dale Allen Parker. He was arrested and charged with 10 counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. As of publication, he remains held in the county detention center under a $100,000 bond. He has an initial court appearance set for Aug. 11, 2025.

“We will continue to identify and arrest individuals who use the internet to target children,” said Sheriff Don Brown in a statement. “There is no place for these crimes in our communities.”

The sheriff's office encourages anyone with

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