The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of Ronay Roblero Bartolon, 44, from Conover, on felony charges of soliciting a child by computer and disseminating obscenity. The bond is set at $400,000 with an immigration detainer from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
According to WBTV News, deputies arrested Bartolon on September 25, 2025, following a child exploitation investigation. Investigators said that Bartolon used an electronic communication device to solicit a minor and allegedly transmitted obscene materials online. The sheriff’s office highlighted that the arrest resulted from a coordinated effort with federal partners focusing on crimes involving children and technology.
The Hickory Daily Record reported that Bartolon was charged under North Carolina General Statute §14-202.3 for soliciting a child by computer to commit an unlawful sex act and under §14-190.1 for felony dissemination of obscenity. Court documents indicate he was booked into the Catawba County Detention Facility with a $400,000 secured bond and faces trial in Newton Superior Court under case number 25CR423396-170. The sheriff’s office confirmed that electronic devices were seized as evidence and are being examined by digital forensic specialists.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that an immigration detainer was lodged against Bartolon by DHS after his arrest, suggesting federal authorities believe he may be a removable noncitizen. ICE’s 287(g) program allows local law enforcement agencies, including Catawba County, to collaborate with federal agents to identify and hold individuals suspected of immigration violations following criminal charges. The sheriff’s office participates in this partnership to enhance local-federal cooperation on serious criminal cases involving noncitizens.
According to the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office official website, the department provides law enforcement, detention, and court security services to residents of Catawba County, North Carolina. Led by Sheriff Don Brown, the agency’s mission is to protect life and property, uphold the law, and serve the community with integrity and professionalism. The office also works closely with state and federal partners on joint investigations related to child exploitation, drug trafficking, and immigration violations.
