Harnett Detectives Arrest Two Men Following NC SBI Cybertip Investigation

ERWIN, N.C. – The Harnett County Sheriff’s Office arrested two men May 7 following an investigation involving cybertips received through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

On March 9, 2026, the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office received multiple cybertips through the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) database regarding Joshua Lee Gilliam, 39, and Ronald Wayne Lynch, 39, allegedly possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

Investigators later executed a search warrant at a residence on Linda Baucom Lane in Erwin, where several electronic devices were seized as part of the investigation.

Joshua Lee Gilliam was charged with:

• First-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
• First-Degree Statutory Sexual Offense
• Indecent Liberties with a Child

Gilliam was held without bond and made his first appearance in Harnett County District Court on Thursday.

Ronald Wayne Lynch was charged with:

• First-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (2 counts)
• Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

Lynch received a $360,000 secured bond and also made his first appearance in Harnett County District Court on Thursday.

The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.