Homeland Security: Charlotte woman arrested after videos show her sexually abusing 4-year-old

CHARLOTTE, NC – Disturbing details have been released after authorities say a Charlotte woman sexually abused a child and sent videos of the abuse overseas.

The suspect, 24-year-old Rhonna Horton, was arrested in Charlotte on June 30. She is currently being held in the Mecklenburg County Jail on $1,000,000 bail.

The investigation began after Australian authorities contacted the Department of Homeland Security following a tip-off about sexually explicit content.

Rhonna Horton

During the course of the extensive investigation, authorities were able to trace the sexually abusive material to Charlotte by locating Horton’s email account at Central Piedmont Community College, a news release said. Officials at the institution provided law enforcement with IP login information between January 2, 2024, and May 10, 2024, as well as the address of Horton’s residence.

As the investigation continued, law enforcement said they were able to visually identify Horton by matching the tattoos and jewelry seen in Horton’s recent social media posts with those in the sexual abuse videos officers found.

Based on information from Department of Homeland Security agents, officials believe the incident likely occurred at Horton’s residence in Charlotte.

According to a press release, Horton spoke to the victim’s mother three times on March 30, but no further details about Horton’s relationship with the four-year-old or her mother were available.

This investigation is active and ongoing.