Whiteville Police ICAC Task Force executes residential search warrant after tracking cryptocurrency transactions linked to illicit material.
WHITEVILLE, NC (Developing Story) — A local man is behind bars following a swift digital investigation into the online exploitation of minors, authorities announced.
Michael Smith Green was apprehended by law enforcement officers following a targeted operation by the Whiteville Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. According to an official agency press release Green faces a severe charge of Felony Conspiracy to Obtain/Purchase Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
Following the Digital Trail – The investigation was launched in April 2026 after specialized ICAC investigators flagged a series of anomalous online movements. Detectives successfully traced specific Bitcoin transactions and corresponding web activity that aligned with the procurement of illicit exploitation material.
Following a comprehensive digital forensic analysis, investigators built a substantial evidentiary profile. This actionable intelligence allowed authorities to secure a search warrant, which was executed directly at Green’s residence, resulting in his arrest.
Law Enforcement Response – The operation underscores a heightened focus on digital illicit markets by local authorities. In a statement released by Whiteville Police Chief Paul D. Rockenbach, the department highlighted the joint efforts of its standard force and its specialized Criminal/Narcotics Investigation Division (CNID).
Chief Rockenbach affirmed that the department remains aggressively dedicated to rooting out child exploitation. Moving forward, local detectives are continuing to collaborate alongside state and federal law enforcement partners to track down online offenders and safeguard vulnerable victims.
Information regarding Green’s initial court appearance or legal representation was not immediately available.
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