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.
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There is always 2 sides to every story. This girl that has accused him is a teenager who is mad at him because he told her NO! Now she is acting out and making false accusations! She’s lying and now he is suffering. Everything you read is NOT ALWAYS TRUE!
Excuses! WHITE MEN BEEN RAPING SINCE THE SLAVERY DAYS!!!!!!
Rape has been happening since the beginning of time. Color has nothing to do with it. This is a child.
Gotta make this a race thing?
Sue, rape, along with other detestable sins have been in the world for a very long time…and sinners come in many “colors”, shapes, and sizes…jus’ sayin’.
Race Card
disgusting , they wouldn’t arrest without evidence do better as a woman.
The fact that the court found enough probable cause to set a $1 million bond suggests there is significant evidence that warranted such a decision. While everyone is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, it’s difficult to simply dismiss the allegations, especially if evidence was reportedly found on a phone.
Ultimately, the judicial process will determine the truth, and that’s where the facts should be evaluated. If the allegations are proven to be true, it will be important to acknowledge that reality rather than ignore it.
Regardless of whether there was any physical contact, an adult engaging in inappropriate conversations with a teenager is deeply concerning and unacceptable. Those actions alone raise serious ethical and legal questions that deserve to be taken seriously.
If you look at his court records (Which are public under NC State Law) their is video evidence along with photos stated in his arrest warrant. That is more than enough hardcore evidence to prove this young lady may not be lying after all. Stop supporting predators.
I believe I read they found evidence on his phone. You can’t dispute that.
You probably say the same about pedophile trump
Okay but the evidence was in his phone so what do you mean??
You really typed this out and hit send. But anyway, in the State of NC, anyone under the age of 18 is a juvenile, and legally, juveniles can’t consent. He’s 36 years old and an adult, period. But yeah, let’s blame the child for getting the grown man in trouble. Come on!
“According to investigators, a forensic examination of Womack’s personal cell phone allegedly uncovered evidence consistent with allegations made by the juvenile victim.”
Womp womp.
I went to school with Josh and his sister I could never see him doing this. We were friends all through school. I know first hand how people can amd do change but I just do not see him changing like that
Samantha, many people have some deep, dark secrets. Jus’ Sayin’
36 years old and involved with a teenager…run that joker out of the county. somebody needs to do a better job of vetting
Nope after fully reading the article if they found stuff on his phone as it says they did then put him under the jail
If he is maga then let him suffer like a dog
How stupid are you? The justice system should be more harshly applied to people you disagree with? How about if he is guilty, he should reap the consequences.
A lot of white hair to be 36
A lifetime of hiding shame, guilt, and knowing how horrible you are will do that to someone.
Genetics. I have the salt and pepper look. Is what it is. Got it from my daddy.
Did he know how old she was for sure? When I was in HS, I knew quite a few gals that had big crushes on much older men and they would say they were older than they were… and with makeup and clothes they looked older. We also had quite a few classmates that looked older even with out makeup . Just throwing that out there. Time will tell.
Oh, he KNEW how old she was…He knew the child well, & she wasn’t just a stranger. It is in the public court records.
lets say, she told him she was 18… what does an 18 year old and a 36 year old have in common for him to be interested? DISGUISTINGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!! stop defending pedos, and trying to blame the victim.
I’m in agreement with the majority of the commentary on this article. That being said, a young women could send images and videos via text message unprovoked and then file charges against someone. Law enforcement would then be forced to arrest them and let the courts figure it out as far as guilt. Also, regarding the bond amount, bond amounts are set by the charges not the guilt. There is a range of allowable bonds and the magistrate chooses what to apply. There is no burden of proof regarding bond amounts. Lastly, I’m assuming the worst until proven otherwise and hope the victim recovers without too much permanent trauma and leads a normal successful life.
It’s important to separate facts from allegations. Simply having a picture of a minor on a phone is not, by itself, a criminal offense. However, the charges in this case are not based on that alone. According to the article, investigators allege that a forensic examination of the suspect’s personal cell phone uncovered evidence consistent with the allegations made by the juvenile victim, which led to charges that include first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
Everyone is entitled to due process, and the court will ultimately determine guilt or innocence. However, these are undeniably serious felony charges. If the allegations are proven true, they are extremely disturbing, particularly because they involve someone who served in a position of public trust as a firefighter. The reported evidence was significant enough for investigators to seek multiple felony charges, and a judge ultimately set a $1 million secured bond. While a bond amount is not evidence of guilt, it does reflect the seriousness with which the court viewed the case under the circumstances presented.
I know this guy and his family personally. I’m not surprised at all. Also they’re all very MAGA so… I’ll leave it at that.
You’re an idiot
It’s always the girl that’s lying. Proof and she’s still lying. This is why women don’t say anything. Put him in a cell with a man that’s already serving a life sentence, tell the cellmate why this guy is in there and let nature take it’s course. Save us some tax money.
Why white people like harming kids like I need to study yall the white male to child r@pe pipe line is crazy yall getting out of hand I need yall to tone it down ALL THE WAY
So only white men harm or rape children? Also, what does him being white or his political views have to do with guilt?
Whoa! My handle is JoCoProud. Not sure who you are @Joco proud, but please find a new handle. Don’t want anyone thinking your thoughts are my thoughts. No way!
Sin isn’t a race issue- it’s a heart issue. All colors, religions, sexual orientations commit sins, including crimes against children. If this man did what he is accused of, it will be his own race wanting him shut down and put away forever. Most southern white people do not condone the raping of children or teens, or anyone/thing for that matter.
Anyone who mentioned or mentions politics in here are absolute A**HOLES!