Sex Offense Allegations Lead to Charges Against Maggie Valley Resident in Burke County
A man from Maggie Valley is facing multiple serious charges in Burke County following a joint investigation by local authorities and federal agencies.
On February 2, 2024, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the FBI and the Burke County Child Advocacy Center, executed a search warrant at a residence in the 3000 block of Ramblewoods Drive in Valdese. The operation targeted the production and distribution of child pornography.
As a result, 27-year-old Zebulon Robert Lingafelt was arrested and charged with felony first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, felony statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult, and felony indecent liberties with a minor. Lingafelt was issued a \$25,000 secured bond on the indecent liberties charge, while no bond was set for the other two charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
This arrest is part of a broader effort by Burke County law enforcement to combat child exploitation. In a related operation, eight individuals were arrested in February 2024 for various child sex-related crimes, including possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. These operations highlight the county’s commitment to safeguarding children and holding offenders accountable.
Authorities urge anyone with information about child exploitation to contact the Burke County Sheriff’s Office or the FBI. Tips can also be submitted through the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
