Online child exploitation reports surge more than 1,000% as NC agencies struggle to keep up

WRAL Daily Download

Online child exploitation reports surge more than 1,000% as NC agencies struggle to keep up

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Published on Jun 9, 2026, 3:55:55 AM
Total time: 00:12:01

Episode Description

In North Carolina, reports of online exploitation of children increased by 1,115% since 2019, according to data from the State Bureau of Investigation.

WRAL Investigates reached out to some of the largest law enforcement agencies in the WRAL viewing area. Agencies are trying to keep up with the caseload. However, many reported minimal staff or funding increases.

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The WRAL Daily Download is an in-depth conversation about a single news story. WRAL covers news across North Carolina every day, but this podcast focuses on one story at a time, bringing context to each conversation. The in-depth, localized podcast takes you into the latest stories from Raleigh, Durham, and the entire Triangle region on North Carolina. This is community news aimed at keeping you informed about the more subtle stories that are happening around you. Hosted by WRAL News journalists, episodes post weekdays by 4:30am.