Online offender arrested after investigation in Union County

MONROE, NC (WBTV) – Two men were arrested for “soliciting sexual acts from minors” via social media. According to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

Matthew Oaks, 35, of Monroe, and Nasario Espinoza, 28, of Charlotte, were charged with soliciting a child to engage in an illicit sexual act via computer. Oaks was given $25,000 bail and is no longer in custody. Espinoza was given $20,000 bail and is no longer in custody.

Investigators have determined that both men used social media and other web-based platforms to recruit children for sexual acts after finding electronic evidence. Officials said the evidence is being analyzed by UCSO Crime Lab personnel trained in digital forensic investigation.

“Once again, the hard-working men and women of this agency have identified and arrested dangerous men who thought the crimes they committed in the dark would never come to light,” said Sheriff Eddie Cathey. “The safety of our children is of the utmost importance to my office and we will continue to use technology and teamwork to proactively prevent sex offenders from harming our children.”

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