Down East couple arrested following ICAC Investigation

 On 04/18/2022 Detectives with the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested

Kelli Wells Harper, 28, of Beaufort, NC.

Harper was charged as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation, conducted by Carteret County Sheriff’s Office ICAC Detectives. Harper was arrested on 04/18/2022 and equipment used to facilitate the crime was seized.

Harper was charged with one count of Second-Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor-Distribution of Materials and two counts of Third- Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor- Possession of Materials.

Harper is being held in the Carteret County Detention Center under a $500,000.00 bond.

On 04/20/2022 Detectives with the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested Kristophor James Allen Laursen, 27, of Beaufort, NC.

Laursen was charged with Felony Obstruction of Justice in relation to the undercover ICAC investigation which led to the criminal charges against Kelli Wells Harper.

Laursen is being held in the Carteret County Detention Center under a

$250,000.00 bond and is schedule for an initial appearance in court later this week.