Daniel P. Bubar Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina
Two men from Wilmington and Bolivia, North Carolina, were arrested on separate charges related to child sex trafficking and the production of child sexual abuse material. Another individual, William Justin Lewis from Louisburg, faced charges for similar offenses.
John Matthew Miller, 35, has been charged with offenses including sex trafficking of a minor and possession of child sexual abuse material. He has previous convictions for sexual battery and was a registered sex offender. If convicted, Miller could face a prison sentence ranging from 25 years to life.
Jesse Lonzo Teal, 72, known by aliases “Lonnie” and “Mark,” faces charges of sex trafficking and the use of the internet to promote an illegal prostitution enterprise. His potential sentence also ranges from ten years to life imprisonment, depending on the outcome of his trial.
William Justin Lewis, 54, is accused of distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material, with potential sentences ranging from five to twenty years for each distribution charge, and twenty years for possession.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar emphasized the commitment of the justice system to protect children, stating, "These important cases reflect the unwavering commitment of our office and our justice system to protect the most vulnerable members of our community—our children."
Special Agent Robert M. DeWitt of the FBI in North Carolina said, "Producing and exchanging child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is a sickening reality in our world and it's not just happening on the dark web."
The cases are under investigation by various law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and several local sheriff's offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charity L. Wilson and Erin C. Blondel are assigned to prosecute these cases.
Court documents and additional information can be accessed through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina's website or PACER, citing Case Nos.7:25-CR-46-D-RN, 7:25-CR-47-UA-RJ, and 5:25-CR-94-D-KS.
It is important to note that an indictment serves as an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
