Johnston County Firefighter Charged With Indecent Liberties, Sexual Exploitation Of Minor

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A Johnston County firefighter has been fired after being arrested on felony charges alleging he took indecent liberties with a child and possessed sexually exploitative material involving a minor.

Joshua Hunter Womack, 36, of Smithfield, was arrested July 24 at the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and charged with three counts of taking indecent liberties with a child and two counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

According to investigators, a forensic examination of Womack’s personal cell phone allegedly uncovered evidence consistent with allegations made by the juvenile victim.

Womack was initially ordered held without bond following his arrest on July 24. During his first court appearance Monday, July 27, a judge set his bond at $1 million secured. At last check, Womack remained in the Johnston County Detention Center.

The Wilson’s Mills Fire Department confirmed Womack had recently transitioned from a part-time firefighter to a full-time probationary employee. Fire Chief Jason Moore said Womack was hired as a full-time firefighter on July 13 and was serving a required six-month probationary period.

Moore said the department was contacted by a detective with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office regarding allegations involving an off-duty incident that was under criminal investigation.

“With less than one single pay period transitioning from part time to full time and being on a probationary period, the member’s employment was terminated upon the information that the sheriff’s department was intending on placing charges on the individual,” Moore said in a written statement.

The chief said the department maintains a zero-tolerance policy for employees facing criminal charges.

“Wilson’s Mills Fire Department is and will continue to be a pillar in the community for the service we provide, the trust we have gained and the licenses we must carry. We continue to have a zero tolerance for any member faced with a simple arrest to any type of criminal charges,” Moore said.

Moore noted Womack successfully completed the department’s pre-employment screening process, including a comprehensive background investigation, before being hired. According to the department, no criminal history or other disqualifying information was identified during the hiring process.

“The Wilson’s Mills Fire Department is committed to protecting the public’s trust and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” Moore said. “Following notification that criminal charges had been filed, the department initiated an immediate review of the employee’s probationary status. Consistent with departmental policy, the employee’s employment has been terminated.”

The fire department said it will fully cooperate with the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office as the criminal investigation continues but cannot comment on the specific allegations or evidence because the case remains active.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office has not released additional details about the investigation or the age of the alleged victim.