Henry Sopel, 80, reportedly possessed material that depicted children engaging in sex acts with adults and other children.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Editor’s Note: This story discusses alleged child sex crimes. While nothing is described in detail, reader discretion is advised.
WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the alleged crime.
A Charlotte man is accused of child sexual exploitation after investigators said he was in possession of material showing minors engaged in sex acts, including some with adults.
Arrest records obtained by WCNC Charlotte offered more details about 80-year-old Henry Joseph Sopel’s arrest on Monday. Sopel reportedly took photos of the material, which showed prepubescent children and adults. Some of the material even included the children engaging in acts with each other.
Sopel’s arrest records indicated the offenses happened in January 2024. He was arrested Monday and charged with three counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and three counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He’s set to appear in court Tuesday afternoon.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
Download WCNC+ on your on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV, and stream the news that impacts you for free.
