Last Updated on April 30, 2026 3:42 pm
NEWLAND, N.C. — A Newland man is facing multiple felony charges, including child abduction and sexual exploitation of a minor, after Avery County Sheriff's Office deputies located him and a missing endangered juvenile in a wooded area of Newland on April 29, 2026.
Deputies responded to the Newland area after a citizen reported spotting a wanted individual near Big Mikes Campground. When deputies arrived, they observed the wanted subject — later identified as Joshua John Childers, 45, of Newland — along with a juvenile female who had been entered into law enforcement databases as a missing and endangered runaway.
After a short foot pursuit, Avery County Sheriff's Office K-9 handlers and drone operators tracked and located both individuals hiding in a wooded area above the Hardees in Newland. Banner Elk Police Department also assisted in the search with their drone unit. Both individuals were taken into custody without incident.
Childers is charged with Felony Abduction of a Child, Felony First Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, two counts of Violation of a Domestic Violence Order, Possession of Stolen Goods, and Misdemeanor Probation Violation. Following a first appearance hearing, bond was set at $655,000.
The juvenile was placed into the custody of the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice.
The Avery County Sheriff's Office acknowledged the assistance of the NC State Bureau of Investigation Criminal Apprehension Team in the investigation.
