Robeson County, NC — Authorities say a man has been booked following an incident in which he allegedly posed as a student on the campus of Red Springs High School, prompting a broader criminal investigation.
Investigators report that on January 15, school staff noticed an unfamiliar individual walking around the campus. After questioning him, staff determined that he was not enrolled at the school and immediately contacted the School Resource Officer. Law enforcement responded, and the individual was identified as Matthew Edward Jones, 21, of St. Pauls, North Carolina.
As a result of the investigation, Jones is facing multiple serious charges, including statutory sexual offense with a child under the age of 15, indecent liberties with a child, solicitation of a child by computer, first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, and third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
Authorities stated that after Jones was identified on campus, detectives initiated a deeper investigation that uncovered information suggesting additional incidents occurred off school property. Investigators believe he contacted students associated with Red Springs High School through online platforms and other means.
School officials emphasized that the situation was handled quickly due to alert staff members who recognized unusual behavior and followed established safety protocols. Their actions led to immediate law enforcement involvement and helped prevent further risk on campus.
From a parent and community perspective, officials say the case underscores the importance of students reporting unfamiliar individuals on school grounds and the need for ongoing conversations about online safety and personal boundaries.
Local school systems continue to stress layered security measures, including staff monitoring, identification procedures, surveillance cameras, and the presence of School Resource Officers, all working together to maintain student safety.
The suspect is currently being held in Robeson County as the legal process moves forward. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at 910-671-3100.
