MONROE, N.C. – Deputies have charged two suspects accused of soliciting underage children for sexual acts using various online social media and web-based platforms.
The two isolated incidents led to the arrest of 25-year-old Matthew Oaks of Monroe and 28-year-old Nasario Espinoza of Charlotte.
Matthew Oakes
Matthews Oakes
During the investigation, vital electronic evidence was located and seized and will now be analyzed by UCSO Crime Laboratory Personnel.
Police say both offenders were arrested and processed into the Union County Detention Center. Detectives charged both Oakes and Espinioza with felony solicitation of a child by computer to commit an unlawful sex act.
Oakes received a secured bond of $20,000 and is no longer in custody.
Sheriff Eddie Cathey adds, “Once again, the hardworking men and women of this agency have identified and apprehended dangerous men who thought the crimes they committed in the dark would never come to light. The safety of our children is a paramount concern for my office, and we will continue to use technology and teamwork to proactively prevent predators rom harming our children.”
The investigations into both suspects are ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming as the evidence seized in this matter continues to be analyzed. Anyone with information pertaining to this case is asked to call Union County Crime Stoppers at (704)283-5600.
