CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Disturbing details released after authorities say a Charlotte woman sexually assaulted a child and sent videos of the abuse overseas.
The suspect, identified as 24-year-old Rhonna Horton, was arrested in Charlotte on June 30th. She is currently in the Mecklenburg County Jail on a $1,000,000 bond.
The investigation started after authorities in Australia contacted Homeland Security after receiving a tip about the sexually explicit content.
Rhonna Horton
Throughout the extensive investigation, authorities say they traced the sexually abusive material back to Charlotte by locating Horton’s email account at Central Piedmont Community College, according to a news release. Officials with the institution provided law enforcement with login IP information between January 2, 2024 and May 10, 2024 as well as the address to Horton’s residence.
As the investigation continued, law enforcement says they visually identified Horton by matching tattoos and jewelry seen on Horton’s latest social media posts to those witnessed in the graphic videos of sexual abuse located by officials.
Based on information provided by agents with Homeland Security, officials say it is likely that the incident took place at Horton’s Charlotte residence.
According to a news release, Horton made three calls to the victim’s mother on March 30th, however no other details on Horton’s relationship to the 4-year-old or her mother have been determined.
This investigation is active and ongoing.
