HIGH POINT, N.C. – A High Point man is being held without bond after police said an investigation that began with reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led detectives to more than 60 child sexual exploitation charges.
Spencer A. Kearns, 31, was arrested Oct. 1, 2026, according to the High Point Police Department. Police said he faces 59 counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, four counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of disseminating harmful material to a minor.
The department said the case began when a detective assigned to the Triad Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force received several reports from NCMEC. Detectives later executed a search warrant and seized dozens of electronic devices, according to the police release.
In court reporting published after Kearns’ first appearance, WGHP reported that investigators searched a home on Baytree Court and that prosecutors alleged Kearns had child sexual abuse material dating from June 1, 2019, to Oct. 1, 2026. The station reported that the Guilford County District Attorney’s Office said it would review the seized devices and that “hundreds if not thousands” of additional images or videos could be involved. Those allegations have not been tested at trial.
High Point police also warned that investigators believe Kearns may have contacted additional victims through Snapchat. The department asked anyone who believes they or someone they know communicated with Kearns through the app to contact Detective A. Lake at 336-887-7835.
Police said Kearns was booked into the Guilford County Jail without bond. WGHP reported that a judge denied bond again during Kearns’ first court appearance and called the allegations “among the most disturbing allegations that can come before the court.”
Kearns’ next court appearance was set for Oct. 29, 2026, according to WGHP.
Anyone with information about the case can contact High Point Police at 336-883-3224 or Crimestoppers of High Point at 336-889-4000, police said.
NewsLeash does not identify alleged victims of sexual crimes. Criminal charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Source Notes
- High Point Police Department news release: “Detectives Charge Man With More Than 60 Counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor,” published Oct. 2, 2026.
- WGHP / FOX8 report: “High Point man facing 63 child sexual exploitation charges denied bond,” published Oct. 2, 2026.
