Fayetteville, NC — January 27, 2026 — The Fayetteville Police Department, with assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NC SBI), has charged a Fayetteville man following a cyber forensic investigation involving allegations related to children.
According to police, reports were received on January 27, 2026, from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material in Fayetteville.
Investigation and Charges
The Fayetteville Police Department’s Cyber Forensic Investigations Unit worked in coordination with the NC SBI and the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force to identify a suspect connected to the investigation.
Police identified Emanuel Jarret Wactor, 24, of Fayetteville, as the individual named in the case.
Detectives obtained warrants charging Wactor with:
- 35 counts of Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
- 35 counts of Third-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
Arrest Details
Police reported that at approximately 6:22 a.m., Wactor was taken into custody without incident along the 5000 block of Watauga Road, off Hope Mills Road.
Following his arrest, Wactor was transported to the Cumberland County Detention Center, where he is currently being held under an $800,000 secured bond.
Victim Support and Reporting
Victim advocates with The Phoenix Center are working alongside investigators to ensure victims receive care, advocacy, and access to support resources.
The Phoenix Center can be reached at 910-485-7273.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Fayetteville Police Department. Anonymous tips may be submitted by calling 910-483-8477.
WatchOut Cumberland County NC
