Please join the North Charleston Police Department (NCPD) in congratulating M.P.O. Clifford Doorley, P.F.C. Jenna Helberg, P.F.C. Lucas Searles, and Ptl. Carlton Bing, who were awarded Certificates of Recognition for June for their outstanding work on a child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigation.

On May 19, P.F.C. Bing made contact with an individual regarding a complaint involving a possible voyeurism-related offense at a local business. During the interview, the defendant voluntarily consented to a search of his cellphone. While examining the device, investigators discovered media files containing CSAM. The phone was immediately seized so investigators could obtain a search warrant and conduct a thorough forensic examination.

Rather than treating the initial complaint as an isolated incident, the Special Operations Intelligence Unit (S.O.I.U.) pursued the investigation well beyond its original scope. Through a detailed forensic examination of the defendant’s phone, investigators determined that the defendant knowingly possessed 56 videos depicting minors and prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Recognizing the seriousness of the offenses and the potential threat posed by the defendant, S.O.I.U. continued its investigation through extensive intelligence gathering and coordination. Investigators identified and confirmed the defendant’s residence and place of employment, worked closely with multiple departmental units and outside law enforcement agencies, and consulted directly with the assigned prosecutor and a Circuit Court judge regarding the legal complexities of the case.

Investigators also developed a comprehensive operational plan to safely apprehend the suspect while preserving additional evidence.

On June 25, S.O.I.U. prepared arrest warrants, and investigators located and arrested the defendant at his place of employment. A subsequent residential search warrant resulted in the seizure of several electronic devices for further examination. The investigation remains ongoing.

What began as a relatively routine complaint involving an allegation of unlawful recording evolved into a significant child exploitation investigation because of the team’s keen investigative instincts, attention to detail, and refusal to overlook evidence of more serious criminal activity.

Congratulations to M.P.O. Doorley, P.F.C. Helberg, P.F.C. Searles, and Ptl. Bing on this well-deserved recognition.

(Pictured L-R) Deputy Chief Keys, P.F.C. Helberg, M.P.O. Doorley, Ptl. Bing, Sgt. Garrison, Major Glover (Not Pictured-P.F.C. Searles)