NEWS

ASHEBORO — A registered sex offender has been charged with multiple counts of exploitation of a minor, according to a press release.

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division initiated an investigation into a possible child pornography incident. It was discovered during the investigation that Michael Scott Kivett, 40, of 118 S. McCrary St., Asheboro, was a registered sex offender and had been convicted in 2001 for similar offenses.

On Nov. 14, a search warrant was executed at his residence. He was subsequently arrested, transported to the Randolph County Detention Center and charged with 16 counts of second degree exploitation of a minor and is being held under a $150,000 secured bond.

A first appearance has been set for Nov. 15 in Randolph County District Court.