Sheriff Darren Campbell stated – On June 19, 2015, members of the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, along with officers from the Statesville Police Department, the NC-SBI, and NC-ICAC Task Force (Internet Crimes against Children), served a search warrant at 114 Artist Ln, Statesville, NC. The search was conducted due to information received that a person at this residence, Ted Dean Melton, was in possession of child pornography. During the search of the residence, several computer items were seized and examined. The search of Melton’s computer revealed videos and images of child pornography. The investigation was turned over to Detective Sgt. Jason Lowrance with the Special Victim’s Unit for further investigation. Melton was arrested and charged with 10 counts of 3rd Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. He was placed under a $300,000 bond and is currently in the Iredell County Detention Center. The investigation is continuing and additional charges are possible.