It seems Allen Smith called it in the past and was deleted for speaking up, as many do here about such behavior. The condemnation is strong unless a beloved friend becomes, involved.
https://bustedncmugshots.com/rook-james-thomas-mugshot-8-16-2020-424-pm-gaston-county-north-carolina/
I will not disparage his person other than to say, regardless if he is convicted or not, he can still “repent” in order to save his soul while contemplating his past actions should it end that way of being judged and sentenced by a government he imagined of.
Unfortunately, no one, be it a former member or a present one can defend an action coming from human imperfection. This is why God choose to put those words in scripture, because those opposed to structured law be it from man’s law or God’s law, anyone can fall victim to Satan’s influence.
My heart goes out to his family with such a human trail.
§ 14-190.17. Second degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
(a) Offense. – A person commits the offense of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor if, knowing the character or content of the material, he: (1) Records, photographs, films, develops, or duplicates material that contains a visual representation of a minor engaged in sexual activity; or (2) Distributes, transports, exhibits, receives, sells, purchases, exchanges, or solicits material that contains a visual representation of a minor engaged in sexual activity. (b) Inference. – In a prosecution under this section, the trier of fact may infer that a participant in sexual activity whom material through its title, text, visual representations or otherwise represents or depicts as a minor is a minor. (c) Mistake of Age. – Mistake of age is not a defense to a prosecution under this section. (d) Punishment and Sentencing. – Violation of this section is a Class E felony. (1985, c. 703, s. 9; 1993, c. 539, s. 1197; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2008-117, s. 4; 2008-218, s. 3.)
§ 14-190.17A. Third degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
(a) Offense. - A person commits the offense of third degree sexual exploitation of a minor if, knowing the character or content of the material, he possesses material that contains a visual representation of a minor engaging in sexual activity.
(b) Inference. - In a prosecution under this section, the trier of fact may infer that a participant in sexual activity whom material through its title, text, visual representations or otherwise represents or depicts as a minor is a minor.
(c) Mistake of Age. - Mistake of age is not a defense to a prosecution under this section.
(d) Punishment and Sentencing. - Violation of this section is a Class H felony. (1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1022, s. 1; 1993, c. 539, s. 1198; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2008-117, s. 5; 2008-218, s. 4.)
Thus far, the State is charging him with 3 counts of sexual exploitation of pornographic material, not interaction with a physical child. The States argument is Child Porn.
If he gets a good lawyer since this is a criminal offense, he can get 3 years probation. However, he will need to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. This is the argument brought before the courts. How excessive is the punishment against the crime.