Caldwell County Sheriff Kevin Bean announced that Keith Douglas Church, age 63, of Hudson, was convicted on Tuesday in Caldwell County Superior Court following charges brought by Sheriff’s Office detectives with the NC Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force earlier this year.
In February 2025, Church was charged with multiple counts of First- and Third-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Child. In March 2025, additional charges were filed, including Taking Indecent Liberties with a Child and First-Degree Sexual Assault of a Child Under the Age of 13.
Church has been sentenced to serve between 200 and 300 months in the North Carolina Department of Correction. Upon release, he will be required to register as a sex offender.
Sheriff Kevin Bean stated: “This conviction represents justice for the victim and a step toward healing. Crimes against children are among the most serious and heartbreaking cases we investigate. I am proud of the work our detectives and the District Attorney’s Office put into bringing this case to a successful outcome. The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office will always fight to protect our children from predators.”
