Deputies with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a 50-year-old man on several counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor following a lengthy investigation into child sexual abuse material.
Authorities said Steven Goodnight was taken into custody on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, on an outstanding warrant related to the charges. He was transported to the New Hanover County Detention Facility. Goodnight has additional pending child exploitation charges in Onslow County.
Deputies said the arrest comes as part of an extensive investigation involving cyber tips and online crimes against children. The Sheriff’s Office emphasized its continued partnership with other agencies to identify and hold accountable individuals who exploit minors…