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Man posing as high schooler arrested; facing sex crimes with minors, police say


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Matthew Edward Jones charged with statutory sexual offense with a child under the age of 15, indecent liberties with a minor, solicitation of a child by computer and first/third degree sexual exploitation of a minor. 1/17/26 (Credit: Robeson County Sheriff's Office)

A 21-year-old man was arrested on a high school campus for impersonating a student, according to Sheriff Burnis Wilkins with the Robeson County Sheriff's Office (RCSO).

Wilkins said staff members at Red Springs High School observed Matthew Edward Jones on campus throughout the week. He added that school staff were able to identify that Jones was not a student and immediately notified the school resource officer.

Investigators learned of possible sexual assaults that occurred off campus during the initial investigation.

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Jones was taken into custody on Saturday and charged with statutory sexual offense with a child under the age of 15, indecent liberties with a minor, solicitation of a child by computer and first and third degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Jones is currently being held at the Robeson County Detention Center without bond.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 671-3100.