FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2025
Gastonia Police Department Announces Arrest in Child Exploitation Investigation
Gastonia, NC – The Gastonia Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigators, working alongside the United States Marshals Service (USMS), have arrested Sean Staskawicz following an extensive child exploitation investigation.
During the course of the investigation, GPD Detectives executed a search warrant at Mr. Staskawicz’s residence. Several electronic devices were seized and later found to contain several thousand videos and images of Child Sexual Abuse Material. The victims range in age from six months old to teenagers.
This morning, the USMS Fugitive Task Force apprehended Mr. Staskawicz. He has been charged with 20 counts of Child Exploitation and is being held in the Gaston County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
“This is another example of the outstanding work being done by our Criminal Investigations Division and the strong partnerships we share with our federal law enforcement colleagues,” said Gastonia Police Chief Trent Conard.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Media Contact:
Bill McGinty
Public Information/Media Relations
Gastonia Police Department
Cell: 704-419-0266
