(GUILFORD COUNTY, NC) -- On October 22, 2025, members of the NCSBI executed a search warrant at a home in High Point, NC, assisted by the High Point Police Department. This investigation was initiated as part of a follow-up on a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Sierra Star Fortner W/F/DOB: 08/09/1995, was arrested and charged with ten (10) counts of 1st Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, two (2) counts of Statutory Sex Offense w/ Minor by an Adult, two (2) counts of Indecent Liberties w/ child, and two (2) counts of Felony Child Abuse- Sexual Act. Fortner is held at the Guilford County Detention Center under no bond. She is scheduled for a first appearance at 2pm today. 

A second arrest was made in connection with this case. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office, with the assistance of the SBI Computer Crimes Unit, executed a search warrant at a residence in Zebulon, NC. Dillon Thomas Bates, W/M DOB: 08/27/2001, was arrested and charged with three (3) counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

The SBI investigation is still active and ongoing. Any additional information will be released via press release, via the SBI social media platforms, and the SBI website at www.NCSBI.org.