Executive Summary
- Robert Benjamin Thorpe, 49, was arrested in North Asheville on a federal indictment.
- The charges involve Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and solicitation of a minor.
- The arrest followed a joint investigation by Asheville Police and Homeland Security Investigations initiated in July 2025.
- Authorities acted on tips provided by the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. — Robert Benjamin Thorpe, 49, was taken into custody Tuesday at his North Asheville residence following a federal indictment related to child exploitation charges, according to officials from the Asheville Police Department (APD) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Authorities executed a search warrant at Thorpe’s home around noon on Feb. 10, concluding a months-long inquiry that began in July 2025. The operation was a collaborative effort involving APD Computer Crimes Detectives and federal agents. According to police statements, Thorpe was arrested without incident and is currently being held on the federal indictment.
The investigation was initiated after law enforcement received tips through the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Investigators reported that HSI agents based in Jacksonville, Florida, were instrumental in securing the federal indictment, which alleges violations involving Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and the solicitation of a minor.
In a press release, the Asheville Police Department acknowledged the cooperation between local and federal agencies. "The Asheville Police Department thanks its state and federal partners for their assistance with the investigation, execution of the search warrant and apprehension of the individual," the department stated. Detectives noted that the investigation remains active and additional charges could be forthcoming.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges filed against Thorpe are merely accusations, and the burden of proof lies with the prosecution in upcoming legal proceedings.
Interagency Collaboration Strategy
The apprehension of Thorpe highlights the critical reliance of local law enforcement on federal resources when addressing digital crimes that often cross jurisdictional boundaries. By leveraging the specialized capabilities of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations, local departments like the APD can effectively prosecute complex cases involving digital evidence and solicitation. This joint operational model is increasingly standard in prioritizing the safety of minors against online exploitation, ensuring that actionable intelligence sharing leads to federal prosecution where sentencing guidelines are often more severe.
