ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Asheville Police Department, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations, apprehended a North Asheville man for child exploitation following a months-long investigation.

Robert Benjamin Thorpe, 49, was arrested following a search warrant executed by APD detectives and HSI agents around noon on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Thorpe’s residence. Thorpe was taken into custody by HSI on a federal indictment.

Read our previous reporting about the incident here.

The investigation into Thorpe began in July 2025, conducted by APD Computer Crimes Detectives, a police team who followed up on tips received through the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Collaborating with the HSI Internet Crimes Against Children team, HSI agents in Jacksonville, Florida secured a federal indictment for Thorpe for violations involving Child Sexual Abuse Material and the solicitation of a minor.

“The Asheville Police Department thanks its state and federal partners for their assistance with the investigation, execution of the search warrant and apprehension of the individual,” APD wrote in a press release.

APD detectives are continuing their investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming. If you know of a child being abused in any way, please do not hesitate to contact the Asheville Police Department or your local law enforcement agency. You can anonymously share with APD by texting “TIP2APD” to 847411 or using the TIP2APD smartphone app. You can also share information by calling (828) 252-1110.

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