A Jacksonville man made his first court appearance Monday in Onslow County District Court, facing multiple charges related to the exploitation of a minor as part of a multi-agency investigation.
Brandon Nelson, a former U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune, is charged with 10 counts of second-degree exploitation of a minor, according to court records. The charges stem from an Internet Crimes Against Children operation involving the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Secret Service.
Prosecutors said investigators found 283 images and videos during the investigation and allege Nelson disseminated illegal material. Officials told the court the current charges represent only a portion of the material identified, with additional evidence still under review.
Investigators said Nelson allegedly distributed illegal material through the Kik messaging application. Authorities took him into custody during a traffic stop.
During Monday’s hearing, Nelson appeared in court via video monitor. A judge set his bond at $30,000 with several conditions, including no use of electronic devices, electronic monitoring at a designated residence, and no contact with minors, including his own children.
Nelson previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years and reached the rank of chief warrant officer in 2016. His most recent duty assignment was at Camp Lejeune.
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Investigators said the case remains active and additional charges are possible as more electronic devices are analyzed by federal authorities.