It has been just over a year since Zebulon Robert Lingafelt, 28, was arrested after an investigation based on the production and distribution of child pornography.
The status of his case was heard in Burke County Superior Court on Tuesday, Feb. 4, before presiding Judge Daniel Kuehnert. Lingafelt was not present at the proceeding.
The District Attorney’s office advised the judge that the state was waiting on a plea and would revisit the matter on April 7.
As a result of a joint investigation with Burke County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, Lingafelt was initially arrested on Feb. 2, 2024, for multiple child exploitation felonies. His first court appearance was on Feb. 5 last year.
The investigation was based on the production and distribution of child pornography.
He was initially charged and arrested for the following felonies:
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First-degree sexual exploitation of a minor
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Statutory sexual offense with a child by an adult
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Indecent liberties with a minor
While in the Burke County Jail, he received these additional charges:
- Three counts of first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor
- Five counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor
Lingafelt is no longer being held at the Burke County Jail.
