Jan. 11. On Facebook Friday afternoon Cornelius Police Dept. released news of the arrest of an 18-year-old who was released to his parents:
On Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence, 17927 Ragtop Day Ln., Cornelius. During the search, electronic devices were seized for further forensic analysis.
Kimbrell
Brett Gerald Kimbrell, 18, has been formally charged with 10 counts of Felony Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Magistrate Peters, with the Mecklenburg County Magistrate’s Office, ordered the release of this defendant to the custody of his parents instead of a bond. Given the serious nature of these charges, which involve the safety and well-being of children, we find this decision troubling and concerning. The release of this defendant, especially under such circumstances, undermines the gravity of the situation and raises significant concerns about the risk to public safety, particularly the safety of minors in the community.
The Cornelius Police Dept. strongly believes that individuals charged with such serious offenses should be held in custody, pending further legal proceedings, to ensure a definitive message that crimes involving the exploitation and violence against children will not be taken lightly.
The Cornelius Police Dept. extends our gratitude to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Computer Crimes Unit for their valuable assistance throughout this case.
The Cornelius Police Dept. remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the children not only in our community but to children who suffer this type of violence.
Do you have information?
Anyone with information regarding the exploitation or abuse of minors is urged to come forward. You can contact the Cornelius Police Department at 704-892-7773. You may also submit an anonymous tip through the North Mecklenburg Crime Stoppers at 704-896-7867 or their website at https://www.northmeckcrimestoppers.org/
Having worked professionally for 45 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychologist, I wholeheartedly agree with the Cornelius Police Department’s comments. Employed by the Family, Children and Youth Division in Philadelphia, Pa. and the Washington, District of Columbia, Child and Family Services Agency,Child Protective Services Unit, I serviced perpetrators,child victims and their caregivers. I supervised teams who worked closely with systems, especially the Courts, Police Departments, schools and hospitals. Due to the severity of offenses of child violence and exploitation, to ensure the safety of others, especially minors, custody certainly appeared appropriate, pending legal procedures.
I have witnessed high recidivism
rates, in various situations. Are not these offenses serious?
What message is being sent?
Posted by Mrs. Lorraine Buchanan | January 13, 2025, 1:43 pm