Buncombe Man Pleads Guilty, Ordered To Register As Sex Offender
A Buncombe County man, Micah Lyons, pleaded guilty to third degree sexual exploitation of a minor and was sentenced on December 10, 2025 to two years of supervised probation and required to register as a sex offender. The case originated from a cybertip about child sexual abuse material, underscoring the role of digital reporting and interagency cooperation in local child protection efforts.
Micah Lyons admitted guilt to third degree sexual exploitation of a minor and received a sentence of two years of supervised probation on December 10, 2025, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. The office said Lyons will be required to register as a sex offender. Deputies reported the underlying incident occurred in December 2024 in the Brent Creek area.
The investigation began after a cybertip alleging child sexual abuse material prompted law enforcement review. Deputies worked with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to take Lyons into custody, reflecting a coordinated response across local and federal agencies. Captain Dustan Auldredge of the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of interagency work in resolving the case and said the office will continue to pursue those committing crimes against children.
For local residents, the outcome carries practical and civic implications. Supervised probation will place Lyons under court ordered oversight for the stated period, while sex offender registration typically results in inclusion on the state registry and associated notification and monitoring requirements. Those measures are intended to support community safety and enable law enforcement tracking of individuals convicted of sexual offenses involving minors.
The case highlights how cybertip systems and digital evidence channels are increasingly central to investigations of child sexual abuse material. It also illustrates the way local law enforcement partners with federal task forces to locate and arrest suspects. Policy questions follow about resources for investigating online exploitation, training for deputies in digital evidence handling, and support services for victims and families affected by these crimes.
Local officials urged continued vigilance and reporting of suspected child exploitation. Residents who encounter potential child sexual abuse material or who have concerns about a child’s safety are encouraged to contact local law enforcement immediately. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office stated it will continue its efforts to investigate and pursue those who harm children, reinforcing its focus on protecting vulnerable members of the community.
Sources:
Know something we missed? Have a correction or additional information?
Submit a Tip
